The Follow to Play Concert to Benefit Lou Gehrig's Disease Victim
The Follow performs at Woodcrest in Columbia, Mo. on Friday, September 18th
2009-09-14 21:24:03 - Columbia, Missouri based band The Follow is holding a benefit concert for Kent Rickertsen, who has recently been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — more than 5,600 people per year. Better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS has a 100% mortality rate; 90% of those deaths happen within 5 years of diagnosis. Columbia-based band “The Follow” will perform on Friday, September 18th at 7 p.m. in the Woodcrest Auditorium to benefit Kent Rickertsen, brother of lead guitarist/vocalist Troy Rickertsen, who has been diagnosed with ALS.
“When we found out about Kent’s diagnosis, the first thing we did was ask ourselves what we could do to help,” says Mat Matlack, drummer for The Follow. “A concert to benefit Kent seemed to be the best way to support him and his medical and travel costs. We’re excited to perform at Woodcrest and broadcast the show live within Second Life.”
A goal of $3,000 has been set to help defray the costs associated with traveling to the nation’s top neurologists and medical care. “We are hoping the excitement of our new album Mixtures: The Remixes and the generosity of Columbia combine for a special evening” says Matlack. “Kent’s need is far from unique with thousands of people diagnosed with ALS each year; and this is one small way we can help fight this terrible disease.”
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for the show on September 18th at Woodcrest with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. “We’re suggesting a $10 donation at the door,” says Matlack. “Kent is a son, a brother, a father and a friend. He’s done so much for us both personally and professionally, we feel this is the very least we can do. Fans unable to attend the concert will be able to see it broadcast live within Second Life and can send a donation on our website at www.thefollow.com/kent.”
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