It’s time to find the cure…….

Posted by mkenny in Blog on 07 12th, 2010 | one response

Over the weekend, 101.5 WPDH had their annual three day event called ROOF-A-THON where they bring in guests and musical acts all to help raise money for charity. This year all the proceeds were going to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

I have friends who have children with type 1 diabetes. Looking at these kids you would never know. Real quick for those who don’t know. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas no longer produces insulin that is needed. I know that sounds “no big deal”, but it is a big. If this isn’t taken care of correctly, some of the consequences can include blindness and amputation. Yes, I have been learning more about this as well as trying to do what I can to help. So when I heard the roof-a-thon was for JDRF, I just wanted to do it even that much more.

Scratch on the drums

We were slotted for a 6pm start time on Friday night. Well I don’t think I cooled of from the sweat box we played the night before. Let me tell you, once again it was H-O-T! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not compaining. But when its hot, it takes an effect on your playing. You fingers don’t slide across the strings smoothly, the drummer is playing in a pool of sweat with all his appendages moving making the bloof flow even faster.

But before we even hit our first note, it just happened to be the lovely Lea Kane’s 7th birhtday. Lea is one of the many reasons this event is going on. She has type 1 diabetes and was diagnosed when she was only 4 years old. She is beautiful little girl that doesn’t allow diabetes to get the best of her. What better way to start the night then with everyone in attendance singing “Happy Birthday” to her.

As we started our set, things were going as well as they could be musically considering this was an outside event. I don’t think I was half way into the first song and I couldn’t help but notice all the little kids in front dancing. But my kids had to take it to another level. They decided that they were going to come on stage and hang out with daddy for a few. This was the first time they have seen me play so it was cool watching them get into the music. Shortly after though, I would say about three songs in, it got extrememly hot. The sun was behind us just pounding the crap out of Scratch. We were scheduled to play 45 minutes but had to cut it short because Scratch was about 3 notes away from passing out. Scratch didn’t want to stop, but Brian did the right thing by telling us that we were only playing one more song. As we ended out set, we found the people running the show and told them the issues that may arise if its not handled. Kudos to the stage manager because he found a radio station banner to hang behind the bands so they can be protected THUS giving all in attendance the best show possible.

help find a cure for juvenile diabetes

We as a band really enjoy being part of a this cause. So much so that Freakswitch on Sunday September 26th of this year will be “Walking for the cure” in Newburgh for JDRF. If you want more information on how you can help or to register for the walk, you can shoot me an email and I will tell you what I know or you can go to jdrf.org

until next time………