Snapshots: Jersey Country Revival
November 12, 2009 – More than 200 audience members and 50 musicians attended this year’s Jersey Country Revival on September 5 to raise funds for CAF. Here are a few pictures from that event.
 | Michael Patrick (left) spends a lot of time and effort organizing the Jersey Country Revival as a benefit for CAF. Michael’s wife, Andrea Szymanski, has thalassemia, so he knows firsthand about the challenges involved and the need to help ensure CAF can keep on making a difference in the fight against thalassemia. “The foundation has always been very supportive and the fact that such a group even exists is inspirational,” Michael says. “I have never met a group of patients so strong, educated and motivated to combat and manage their disease than with thalassemia patients.” |
| “I wanted to be able to contribute in some small way and the music end of things comes naturally to me,” Michael continues. “I have been surprised at the awareness the event raises and have met many guests of the event with traits ,and several thalassemia patients who have told their stories. There is a definite bond amongst the people in the thalassemia community and it’s important they don’t feel alone. One thing is for sure.. Thal patients are not shy! |  |
 | Michael adds, “It was great to have friend and NJ legend John Eddie (left, with Michael) headline the event this year. The generosity of the local community with donating raffle items and all the folks that freely volunteer to help always amazes me.” |
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 | Michael encourages others who may be thinking about doing something to help raise funds for CAF. “It’s really very rewarding to be able to do something like this,” he says. “I think people really appreciate it and generally want to help and do all they can. Hosting an event like this gives them an outlet to show their support. The sense of community when people come together is very gratifying.” |
| Asked if he has any words for people with thalassemia, Michael says, “Your strength and determination is an inspiration to others ! May God bless you and keep you healthy! And I hope we can continue this event annually and that it just keeps getting bigger and better each year!”
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