Area Boy (with CMT) Heads To National TV

[Guest guest]

Area Boy Heads To National TV

Arbaugh To Be On Jerry Telethon

By

http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=11954 & CHID=2

Since January, Caleb Arbaugh has felt like a celebrity. That's when

the 10-year-old from Mount was named this year's Muscular

Dystrophy Association Goodwill Ambassador for Virginia.

Now, like a true headliner, Caleb will get some television time when

he appears on the Jerry MDA Labor Day Telethon this weekend.

The Jerry Telethon, devoted to raising money for muscular

dystrophy research, airs on WRIC beginning at 9 p.m. Sunday night

and running through Monday.

Caleb is scheduled to appear live on the show both days from

Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Video of Caleb and his

family may also be included in the show.

" I'm excited, " said Caleb. " It's a humongous thing that we're

doing. "

Life Of An Ambassador

Caleb was named ambassador for Virginia after his mom, Rudy,

signed him up for a shot at the title.

When he found out that he had been chosen for the honor, Caleb, who

was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease when he was 3, was

ecstatic. He loved the idea of representing his state and raising

awareness for MDA.

CMT is a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness,

scoliosis and loss of sensation in the feet and lower legs and hands.

As ambassador, Caleb has traveled throughout Virginia and into

neighboring states to inform people about muscular disorders and the

importance of supporting MDA.

Among other things, Caleb has taken part in an annual MDA event at

ERA-Kline and May Reality, a formal gala in Washington D.C.,

restaurant fundraisers and — his favorite — Harley son rallies.

He's also met many well-known people, including singer Gilman,

meteorologist Tony Perkins and actor Larry .

" We've done a lot of fundraising and a lot of events, " Rudy

said. " We've had so much fun. It's kind of wild. "

Ready For His Close-Up

As he prepares for the telethon, Caleb said he's mildly nervous, but

being a confident quick-witted speaker, he said, he knows he'll do

just fine.

The only thing that makes Caleb uncomfortable, his mom said, is the

thought of wearing a tuxedo. " The whole formal attire " concerns him,

she said. " We're not used to that. "

But penguin suits aside, Caleb and his mom say they are looking

forward to the telethon and hope everyone will tune in to show their

support.

" [We want to] alert people in our area to watch and be proud of

Caleb, " Rudy said. " I know I feel pretty proud. "