Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Has Impacted Me
We’ve all seen and heard from celebrities about the importance of being actively involved in different charity events to help raise money for research. I would like to introduce you to a friend and a local celebrity, Chris Hawkey from KFAN radio and the musical group, Chris Hawkey Band. I first met Chris Hawkey three years ago after attending a local concert. During the concert, Chris spoke about a cd he was selling which the proceeds from that cd were being donated to a cause near and dear to his heart.
Many families with disabilities over the years have gotten to know celebrities because of their involvement with charities. KFAN radio and music celebrity Chris Hawkey has opened up his heart and mind as well as his music talent to help raise money for a degenerative disease called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is a degenerative disease in which tumors grow in various organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and lungs. It is a leading cause of Epilepsy and Autism and can affect people of any age at any stage in their lives. It is not always fatal, but is extremely trying in even minor cases.
“Although I have only been involved with the organization for 4 years, it has really opened my eyes to numerous children and families afflicted with TSC.” Chris and his band are donating all the proceeds from their cd “The Pursuit” to the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. “I first became involved in TSA because my friend, Mark Carlson’s wife is now the head of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. They asked me to host their Walk-a-thon four years ago. Since then, I continue to help TSA. At a recent benefit in Chicago, I was performing when one of the girls standing next to a speaker had a seizure. After her parents confirmed that she was all right, even though she was all sweaty from the seizure, she went right back to the speaker so she could listen better. It really opened my eyes as to the effects of TSC.”
“I would just like to ask people to check out the website: www.tsalliance.org. There are ways to help and I encourage anyone to get involved. As busy as you are, when you find ways to help it always turns out that in helping someone you are the one who benefits. Anytime you meet people who stand up straight while dealing with major difficulties in their lives, I think it changes how you view your own life. I know that I have radically changed my views on how much a single person can change the world. There is simply no better feeling in the world than bringing a smile to someone’s face.”
If you’d like to hear video samples and see Chris performing, please go to his web site, www.chrishawkey.com.
By Chris Hawkey as told to Michael Cohn