Community comes together to support fight against MS – Hays Free Press

Kirk Smith knows the local music scene the musicians, the venues, the good times. He and wife Laurie can often be found enjoying the sounds at Hudsons on Mercer and Mercer Street Dancehall. But the sounds of the music are fading for Kirk as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) continues to claim more and more of his abilities and enjoyment in life.

After trying one treatment after another over decades to slow his hearing loss, balance problems, and relieve his intense nerve and muscle pain, Kirk had nearly given up hope of reclaiming his life from the debilitating disease. But when his son Derek was diagnosed with MS at age 23, Kirk knew he had to keep fighting for Derek, as well as for himself.

Hope did come from friends who had recently undergone Expanded Stem Cell Therapy in Panama and were experiencing significant gains in their own struggles with MS. After thoroughly researching the successful and promising cutting-edge therapy (not currently available in this country) Kirk and Laurie became determined that Kirk should have that chance at recovery. The only obstacle was the $25,000 cost. (The experimental treatment is not covered by health insurance).

Enter the music community in Dripping Springs, who have stepped forward to help their friend and long-time supporter. Chad and Natasha Hudson, owners of Hudsons on Mercer, will donate their venue and their musical talents for a huge fundraiser, Help Kirk Soar Again, on Feb. 19 from noon until 5 p.m.

The Kyle Sisters, Alex Dormont, The Hill Country Ramblers, Micah Wagner, Braydon Zink, Bob Slaughter and Laughing Waters, and The Mercernaries have all volunteered to create an afternoon filled with some the highest-caliber music in the Central Texas area.

Mi Ranchito Barbeque will serve lunch. A Silent Auction has gathered amazing offerings, among them a Circle Y Flex Lite Trail Saddle. T-shirts for the fundraising campaign will be on sale.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched in Kirks name at YouCaring.com, or donations may be sent directly to Kirk at PO Box 225, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. For more information on Kirk , Expanded Stem Cell Therapy or the fundraiser, visit the Help Kirk Soar Again Facebook page.

Join friends of Kirk Smithfor an afternoon of music and food to raise funds for his medical treatment on Feb. 19 from 12-5 p.m. at Hudsons on Mercer to raise funds for Kirk to undergo Expanded Stem Cell Treatment for his MS

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Community comes together to support fight against MS - Hays Free Press