Benefit concert for local man



Wednesday, January 07, 2009

The Rocksport will host a concert to raise funds for Joe Honan and his family. Honan has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a usually fatal disease, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. There is no known cure.

The event:

Sat, Jan. 10

7 p.m.- 2 a.m. (21 and over)

The ROCKSPORT

4209 S.W. Alaska St.


$10 Donation at the door

FEATURING: RANDY HANSEN BAND (Apocalypse Now Soundtrack) performing Jimi Hendrix Tribute

Also Performing is Live Band 33 1/3

The first 100 at the door will receive a Fight ALS Bracelet.

Letter from Joe Honan:

Hello there. My name is Joe and I am the father of a wonderful family. Our lives changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2004.

At just under 50, I still was in good shape, playing basketball weekly for the previous 10 years. Having to anticipate that I would be in a wheelchair and unable to walk, drive, or even speak in two to three years was frightening to my wife Ida, and our six children. Even more concerning was the doctors' predictions that I wouldn't be alive after the same 24 to 36 month period.

In retrospect we have been extremely blessed, spiritually, as well as from the support of our family and friends. It has been absolutely incredible to witness the depth of kindness displayed by those who care about us. Not to mention the fact that I'm still alive.

Fortunately, my upbeat nature hasn't been compromised. Indirectly, because of that, my family has been able to cope with life ... and death ... a little easier.

I no longer can move my limbs, I certainly can't drive, and my food is always formula, delivered through a tube in my stomach. I communicate utilizing a voice machine attached to my chair, and I had to leave my job of 17 years. But we all still laugh and smile. There is an abundance of joy in our household.

http://www.westseattleherald.com/art...ews/news09.txt