Kai’s LungFest benefit concert to be held Saturday, Nov. 17 in Floyd
Kai’s LungFest, a concert in honor of Floyd-area teenager Sekai Talley-LaRoche, who is in need of a double lung and liver transplant, will be held Saturday, Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Dogtown Roadhouse in Floyd.
Fundraising proceeds will benefit the Children’s Organ Transplant Association in honor of the 19-year-old to assist with transplant-related expenses.
Talley-LaRoche is the son of Jessica Talley and Michael LaRoche. Born on Aug. 17, 1993, Sekai was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. The doctors at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., have recommended the transplant. An estimated $30,000 is being raised by Floyd volunteers.
“Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects both of my lungs and my digestive system,” Talley-LaRoche said. “A regular day for me includes two treatments of a nebulizer and a machine called the Vest, which shakes me to help clear my lungs.”
Along with that, he must take an average of 35 pills every day, most of which are vitamins and enzymes to help digest food. He has relied on a feeding tube to eat at night for the past eight years.
“It’s been a humbling and inspirational experience to witness our community come together in support of this cause,” said Heather Talley, community coordinator for Kai’s Krew and Talley-LaRoche’s aunt. “I am extremely proud of the commitment the community has shown to supporting COTA’s charitable efforts.”
Talley-LaRoche maintains an amazing attitude and remains optimistic.
“The future I see for myself is not a dark one. Soon I’ll have my new lungs, and when that day comes, if you need me, I’ll be in Italy for a while,” he said.
COTA is a national charity based in Bloomington, Ind., dedicated to organizing and guiding families and communities in raising funds for transplant-needy patients. COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to lack of funds. One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for transplant-related expenses.
Bands who will perform at the benefit concert include the Mumbles, Spoon Fight and Tobacco Apache. The cover charge is between $10 and $50 on a sliding scale and includes a raffle. There will be a cash bar, and local food will be served for dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Dogtown Roadhouse is located at 302 S. Locust St. in Floyd.
Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can contact Talley at 745-4078 or heathertd@gmail.com.
Donations may be mailed to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 West COTA Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. Checks or money orders should be made payable to COTA, with “In Honor of Sekai TL” written on the memo line of the check. Secure credit card donations are also accepted online at www.COTAforSekaiTL.com.
– Submitted by Heather Talley
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