Remington Ryde festival attendees step up for James King

James King - photo by Frank BakerWe never tire at Bluegrass Today of expounding on the generosity and kindness of the bluegrass community. It was demonstrated again over this past weekend at the Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival this past weekend in Centre Hall, PA.

During her stage set, Lorraine Jordan mentioned James King’s health issues, and invited festivalgoers to share a few dollars for his medical fund. She must have made an impassioned appeal as the promoters were able to hand James the proceeds, nearly $4,000, before he left the park.

King is hopeful of being placed on a liver transplant list later this year, at which point attempts will be made to match him with a suitable living tissue donor. He is still touring as best he can, though he has to remain seated on stage when he performs.

The existing medical fund is being used to help with remaining uninsured expenses from his recent hospitalizations, and to assist in advance of the many costs that will be associated with a transplant.

Those who may be called to donate can do so on the GoFundMe page set up by James’ friend Chip Covington. There is also an account for the James King Medical Fund established at Wells Fargo Bank. Anyone can visit a Wells Fargo Branch and make a direct donation to this account, or they can be mailed to:

James King Medical Fund
c/o Deonia Jones,
Wells Fargo Bank
201 S. Jefferson St.
Roanoke VA 24011

While worried about what the future may hold, James remains upbeat and positive. The support he receives from fans and friends out on the road has done him a world of good.

As always, please help if you can.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.