Hep-C is another one of those diseases that with continued research support networks and benefits such as these, we can eventually wipe it out and until then, at least decrease the impact of this health hazard "boogie man". Read on….Annette Warner-Editor-GoGirlsMusic.com
HepCCoalition.com presents:
"Hep-C Aware"
Punk Rock Unites for Hepatitis C Awareness
Sunday September 12 2-9pm $15 All Ages
Galaxy Theater 3503 S, Harbor Blvd
Santa Ana, CA (714) 957-0600
Featuring The Crowd, Boobie Trap, Working Class Zeroes, Brass Taxx, Saving
Grace, Neveready and Civet.
Benefiting the Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program
On September 12, the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana will ignite with the first annual Punk Rock Unites for Hepatitis C Awareness concert.
Hepatitis C is a serious, relatively unknown disease that not only infects 1 in 50 adult Americans but also is the number one reason for liver transplants in the U.S. It is also four times more prevalent than HIV, and victims of this disease can suffer serious liver damage without outward
symptoms and eighty-five percent of those infected, stay infected. Experts estimate that deaths from Hepatitis C will triple over the course of the next 10 to 15 years.
In 2004, a national coalition of musicians started working together to raise awareness about hepatitis C.
Kelly Z (of the blues rock band Kelly's Lot) is one of those musicians. Three years ago she lost a close friend to the disease and as a result, was motivated to start HepCCoalition.com to put out a call to musicians across the country to help bring awareness about this epidemic to the national
forefront. Each member/band of the coalition distributes postcards with facts about Hep-C at their shows and events. The response to the postcards has been one of overwhelming interest and support. "When I pass out the informational postcards at our shows", Kelly Z says, "People are very receptive".
Danny Commerford is another. He is the leader of the Orange County punk band, Boobie Trap and producer of Punk Rock Unites for Hepatitis C Awareness, and also happens to have the Hep-C virus. He first learned about it 7 (seven) years ago. "People should get checked for Hep-C because there are NO symptoms", says Commerford, "and that is why it is called a silent killer. By the time symptoms are realized, the damage to the liver has already been done." Early detection is what has enabled him to stay well live a healthy life.
Punk Rock Unites for Hepatitis C Awareness is an effort to both raise money and awareness about Hep-C. The show will start at 2pm and will feature performances by Boobie Trap, The Crowd, Working Class Zeroes, Brass Taxx, Saving Grace, Neveready and Civet. Boobie Trap will also release their new CD, "Look Inside" at the event. All proceeds from the concert will go to The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program to help fund the postcard campaign.
Sponsors for the event include Guitar Center, Black Flys, Bounty Hunter, inSecure and the Jaycees of Newport Beach.
Since Hep-C is a blood-transmitted disease, there are certain people with an elevated risk of infection. These include those who have had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, hemodialysis patients and those whose occupations require them to have increased exposure to blood (such as healthcare workers or members of the military). Sharers of razors and toothbrushes are at
risk, too. Also at risk are those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners (or a history of STD's), people who snort drugs (like cocaine) through a straw or a rolled up bill, intravenous drug users (even if they did it just ONCE), and people who have tattoos or body piercings.
For more information about the event and getting involved in the fight against Hep-C, log onto; www.hepccoalition.com; www.hepcnetwork.org; & www.hepcchallenge.org
