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Healing through words and music

A group of Lake Country residents are using their artistic talents to collaborate on a fundraising project to help children suffering from an unusual autoimmune disease. The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is unknown and that is the vital piece of information that researchers need before they can set about finding a cure.

A group of Lake Country residents are using their artistic talents to collaborate on a fundraising project to help children suffering from an unusual autoimmune disease. The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is unknown and that is the vital piece of information that researchers need before they can set about finding a cure.

The artists working on the project are Louise Boisvert, Rann Berry and Eleven O Fifty Graphic Design. The group has created a five song CD, the proceeds of which will go to Cassie and Friends—a group dedicated to finding a cure for JRA. The songs, sung by Boisvert, are meant to create a relaxing ambience for listeners out of respect for the sensitivity of what the children with the disease must endure during a flare up.

Boisvert knows first-hand the impact that JRA can make on a young life. Her own daughter Elise lives with the disease.

“These kids go through so much and one thing I notice is that attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference,” says Boisvert. “The kids stay positive and do as much as they can to still be kids. They never give up.”

Rann Berry produced the CD while Eleven O Fifty Graphic Design put together the accompanying artwork.

Anyone interested in purchasing the CD can find it for $10 at Lake Country Coffee House, Lake Country IDA Pharmacy, or Wentworth Music in Kelowna. For those interested in hearing a preview, Cassie and Friends has adopted the song “Songbird” from the album as its theme song and it can be found on their website www.cassieandfriends.ca.



Barry Gerding

About the Author: Barry Gerding

Senior regional reporter for Black Press Media in the Okanagan. I have been a journalist in the B.C. community newspaper field for 37 years...
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