As consistently happens after tragedies and disasters in our nation, Americans have banded together to support and comfort their brothers and sisters in need. A poignant staple of recovery and the healing process has long been music. Musicians have been using their gifts and talents to support and console for thousands of years. From medical techniques such as music therapy to the simple sympathetic melodies of a lamentation, the chords of healing are some of the most heartfelt and evocative expressions of sympathy.
Kelly accompanies his wife, Giffords, as they board a plane to Houston.
It’s now been two weeks since U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and 18 others were gunned down during a town-hall meeting in Tucson. With her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, ever at her side, Giffords has progressed to dangling her legs, moving her lips, and standing with assistance.
On Jan. 11, her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Lemole, said of her recovery thus far, “We’re wise to acknowledge miracles.” According to a Fox News poll, nearly 8 in 10 American voters say they believe prayer helped Giffords survive the brutal assault. Surely, with the congresswoman in the vulnerable early stages of what promises to be a lengthy recovery period, those prayers should not be allowed to subside.
“The Tucson community has really pulled together to help those affected by this tragedy,” News 4 Tucson station manager and news director Kathleen Choal told “The Business of Being Diva.” “There are fundraisers going on all over town. KVOA News 4 Tucson started a Tragedy in Tucson Victims’ Fund at several local financial institutions. One hundred percent of the money donated to the Victims’ Fund will go directly to the survivors and the families of the victims. It was our way to try to help begin the healing here in Southern Arizona.”
News 4 Tucson has posted a poignant tribute to victims of the tragedy on its website. In addition to the names and photos of victims, the page includes a partial list of upcoming charitable events. However, Choal stated that there are so many fundraisers springing up all over the state that the news team can’t keep track of them all. The outpouring of love and support, Choal said, has been overwhelming and extraordinary.
One such event will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at O’Malley’s on Fourth, where The Tucson Musician Club will host a benefit concert for The Tragedy in Tucson Victims Fund. There will be a $5 donation requested at the door, raffle tickets for sale, and of course plenty of live music from local bands, including Shaky Bones, Wayback Machine, The Gotes, RailBirdz, East2West and Giant Blue.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Gabrielle Giffords,” stated Dale Iverson of The Tucson Musician Club in an official statement to the press, “and all of the other shooting victims [and] their loved ones.”
For more information on The Tucson Musician Club benefit concert, please visit its website calendar at http://tucsonmusicianclub.com/2011Calendar.aspx.
You also may donate directly to the fund by visiting www.KVOA.com and clicking on The Tragedy in Tucson Victim’s Fund banner. One hundred percent of donations will go directly toward the needs of Tucson shooting victims and their families.
LINKS:
Like: Tragedy in Tucson Victims Fund on Facebook
KVOA News 4 Tucson: Tragedy in Tucson Memorial Page
The Business of Being Diva is penned by recording artist Jennifer Grassman. You can learn more about Grassman and hear her music at www.JenniferGrassman.com. Don’t forget to check Jennifer’s YouTube Channel for The Business of Being Diva Video Blog.
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