ARTICLE ARCHIVE - "The Survivors" (October 1993)

A year after going public with her MS diagnosis, Annette was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart for a Ladies' Home Journal article titled "The Survivors". The piece focuses on the personal stories of four entertainers who have persevered through personal challenges that threaten their careers and lives.

At the time of this article, Annette had just recently established The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases (AFRFND), and with her husband Glen, continued to explore treatments that held any hope of bringing some relief to her rapidly deteriorating condition - and to other MS patients as well.

While it would be nearly a decade before any helpful treatment would be found, Annette never gave up hope that she could use her public image and Research Fund to help others. Today, the AFRFND continues Annette's work and carries her dream of bringing treatment and answers to those suffering with neurological disease. Please consider a tax deductible donation to Annette's research fund today:

DONATE HERE

Right click and save the images below to your computer to read the article.

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Annette Funicello: Tributes from Fans and Friends

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A CLOSER LOOK: Bob Hope's Thanksgiving Special Promotional 33 1/3 rpm

Beginning in 1950, the legendary comedian and Hollywood personality, Bob Hope began making television specials for NBC. For these shows, Hope was joined by a variety of celebrity guests and other talent who performed and participated in skits consistent with the incredibly popular variety show format of the time. Hope's specials were considered must-watch television and were a popular draw through the mid- '80s. Annette Funicello's fans across the country felt especially blessed the Thanksgiving season of 1964 when it was announced that she would be appearing on Hope's upcoming holiday special. Annette made the appearance to promote her latest picture, Pajama Party (released November 11, 1964) and her Annette at Bikini Beach record album - which she performed two songs from on the show. I've always found vintage promotional ephemera to be especially interesting... seeing how the creatives of entertainment chose to promote their latest offering t...

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