Benefit: Michael William Harrison

Subject: BS: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 12:06 PM

Hello all,
It's been a while since we posted the information about Michael Harrison's throat cancer. Michael is still hanging in, but the disease is not letting go without a fight. He was recently diagnosed with a new tumor.
This Saturday, several of Michael's musician friends, spear-headed by Jed Marum, are holding a benefit concert for him at Lochrann's Pub in Frisco, TX. (From 6 PM to 1 AM, Lochrann's Irish Pub & Eatery,
6195 Main Street, Frisco, TX). A full evening of music, raffles, and fun, hosted by Jed Marum with special guest host, Don Gabbert.

Music by:
o Trinity River Whalers
o Jiggernaut
o NeedFire

But... Jed says it best (and I'm copying the note below from his Facebook post, with his permission):

My Friend Michael

I know a lot of my FaceBook friends know my friend, Michael William Harrison and are already aware that Michael and his wife Kelly have been battling Michael's throat cancer - and the impact this disease has had on Michael's ability to earn. Like me, Michael earns his entire living from performance of music. He has not only the increased demand of medical payments - but he has lost his entire income, as he faces his cancer and its treatment.

The "Friends of Michael William Harrison" have planned and run several benefit concerts throughout 2010 - in order to keep some income trickling in for Michael throughout the year, and we've sold his CDs at our concerts. On Sat Dec 4 we have a big benefit event planned for Michael in Frisco TX - at Lochrann's (I have posted a link to event details below). If you are near the Dallas area, please come out and help us celebrate the year and most importantly, help us put aside a few dollars for Michael and Kelly.

Lochrann's has generously given us the evening for music and they have pledged a portion of the evening's revenue as well. In addition, vendors and donors from the community have provided valuable items for us to raffle and/or auction during the evening; Artwork, special whiskeys, musical instruments, and much more (please watch the FaceBook event linked below for more detail on what is being offered) ... but, most importantly; every penny raised goes directly to Michael and Kelly - so your participation is MOST beneficial. And remember, everything you eat and drink during the show benefits Michael!

If you are reading this note, and you cannot come, please pick up your pen right now and write a check to Michael or Kelly Harrison for $10, $25, $50 or as much as you can afford, place it into a Christmas, Holiday or Get Well Card - or just a plain old envelope - and mail it to them at this address:

Michael and Kelly Harrison
4005 Blue Flag Lane
Ft Worth TX 76137

Again; making the check payable to Michael or Kelly Harrison makes it easier for them to manage their funds during these difficult medical treatment days.

I know so many folks on my FaceBook list really like to help, and are willing and able to - please take this moment to do so. You cannot know how much your gift, no matter how small can directly benefit a friend in need. I know some of you reading this do not know Michael but you know me - so please know that you are helping me out by choosing to help Michael and Kelly, right now.

Thank you in advance. I know you will do your best to help in whatever way you can. I hope to see you in Lochrann's, if you are nearby - and again, please write a check today and mail it, if you cannot be there on Sat.

All the best - Jed Marum

Subject: RE: BS: Michael William Harrison
From: open mike
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 12:15 PM

this thread should have a title including "benefit"

I hope the event is a success and that it will be enjoyed by all.

Is there a way to send money via pay pal? that might make it easier

for some folks to click and send..

Subject: RE: BS: Michael William Harrison--benefit
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 12:44 PM

Yes, you can go to www.michaelwilliamharrison.com and use the paypal account we have set up there.
Thanks for asking!

Subject: RE: BS: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 12:45 PM

I don't know how to change the title, or I would.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 12:51 PM

I changed the title and put it in music. (Michael is a musician and this is a concert.)

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on his cell phone
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:36 PM

Thanks Mary Ann for reposting this on Mudca.

I know Michael's Mudcat friends would lik to help, too.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated...

and your kind donations via check or or paypal will make a meaningful impact.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:43 PM

Thanks for the Paypal link. We just got news of some funds we were not expecting, What better way to share than a small donation to add up with all of the others. May you have a very prosperous evening and may healing be Michael's now.

ATB,

kat

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: gnu
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:56 PM

Sorry to hear of the setback. T&Ps.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on cell phone
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 01:58 PM

Thanks again for your donations.

As Kat says, each small gift adds up

... and I know your kindness makes a real impact.

We cannot cure his disease, but we can reduce the worry of its financial impact.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Don`t matter who.
Date: 01 Dec 10 - 04:46 PM

Lord knows I ain`t rich. However, thank you Jed for the reminder. Have sent a few bucks by PayPal.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on cell phone
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 09:46 AM

Thank you - Don't Matter Who

... and all who sent,or will be sending something.

I spoke to Michael's wife Kelly last night.

They are planning to remove as much of a tumor in his frontal lobe as they can next week.

They will restart chemo in Jan.

Kelly was most appreciative of the funds we've been able to raise so far.

She has used up her vacation and sick time, caring for Michael.

She is on unpaid leave and our funds are keeping them afloat.

I hate to be so frank about their situation, but every penny we can raise for them is truly needed.

Thanks again - Mudcatters. Your consideration and kindness helps more then you ever know.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 10:25 AM

I just want to 2nd what Jed has said. Thanks to all of you who have donated and to those of you who are sending good wishes and prayers. Every little bit makes a difference.
Michael will have surgery Monday, so send up extra prayers.
Best,
Mary Anne

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 03:03 PM

One last reminder -- if you're in the DFW/North Texas area, please come by Lochrann's Pub tomorrow (Saturday) evening for the benefit concert to raise funds for Michael. Jed has arranged a STELLAR line-up of the area's best Celtic talent.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Jed on a Cell Phone
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 06:42 PM

We are making final preparations for the event at Lchrann's.

But I hope ALL Mudcatters will send Michael their best wishes

and a check.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: Janie
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 07:17 PM

Thanks for posting this reminder, Mary Anne.

Like many, perhaps most of us on Mudcat, I can never send big bucks, but have donated small amounts a few times. Then it drops off my radar screen until I see something on Mudcat again. Can't send anything right now, but will definitely donate again, especially if one of the threads regarding Michael gets bumped up every couple of months to jog my memory.

Those small donations do indeed add up. And to a family in need every little bit counts.

Janie

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 10:31 AM

Tonight's the night. Lochrann's Pub 6195 Main Street, Frisco, TX starting a 6:00. Should be the best night of music in DFW this weekend, and all for a good cause.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 02:09 PM

I have mailed a check today (not a PayPal person!.

I wish I could send more, but I am sure this will help..

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 05:39 PM

Just wanted to say THANKS... I've seen traffic pick up on the PayPal site... and I know some of it is from you guys.
You rock. And as Janie says, those small donations DO add up.
Send out good thoughts; Michael has surgery tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,Mary Anne
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 05:40 PM

PS -- I don't exactly how much the benefit last night raised, but it raised a lot... Musicians and patrons alike were so generous. KUDOS to Jed and crew, for organizing it and collecting such talent.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Dec 10 - 09:52 PM

Good thoughts and thanks givings coming from Colorado for tomorrow's successful surgery and full recovery!

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on a cell phone
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 12:08 PM

I spoke to Michael last nightand he was in ggood spirits.

He is under the knife as I type this ....

I'll be back to this thread when i hear more.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on cell
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 05:56 PM

I spoke to Michaels's wife, Kelly late this afternoon.

Michaels's surgury is done. He was awake and talking to Kelly. She said he was in good spirits.

I hope to be able to see him tomorrow, if they allow me in.

He will likely be in for a week or so.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 06:00 PM

That's good to hear, Jed. Thanks for keeping us posted.

May all good things come to pass.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 10:20 PM

May all good things come to srat! :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: JedMarum
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 04:25 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 01:58 AM

Folks, Jed sent me a note, and I think his idea is sound. Mudcatters are known for their generosity. I just put a plea up on my Facebook page. Let's get behind this one.

Michael wrote a song titled "The Last Day in May". I sang that song at the Beverly National Cemetery, and at the Michigan Veterans Home on Memorial Day. It is a wonderful piece that I first heard from Jed. Michael is a special songsmith, and I hope we can all get behind him in his hour of need.

All the best, and Happy Holidays,

Mick

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 04:21 PM

I've already started hearing from some folks. Stay strong Harrison family.

Subject: RE: Benefit: Michael William Harrison
From: GUEST,jed on a cell phone
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 09:43 AM

Michael's recenet surgury was successful.

He is recovering and will go home soon.

His tumor was NOT cancerous!!

Your thoughts, prayers and donations have been very much appreciated!