Rock on!
Our Rock for Health Care concert went really well Saturday night. I loved all the bands — from the quiet ballads and folk songs of Wayne Robbins to the mesmerizing guitar work and vocals of Night’s Bright Colors, the way-cool rockabilly sound of The Humbuckers, the pounding beat of 37 Special and the upbeat fun of Jeff Markham and the Last Call.
It was a ball.
We had an enthusiastic, but not to huge, crowd. And a lot of people left with our “How You Can Help” brochure.
I don’t know how to thank the bands, who all offered to do it again anytime we want.
And there has to be a special thanks to Jon Darconte, who organized the whole thing because he felt a connection with Mike, even though he never met him. Mike would’ve liked all of these musicians. He loved music.
So, thanks, guys. I hope we can do this again.
I’ll post photos soon.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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