It’s a strange thing to realize and accept your mortality no matter the age. It’s just one of those things you ignore. The days tick by and you expect they will keep on coming; Until the unexpected happens. We live and plan on building our lives - living day by day. That’s the thing about life. It’s fragile, precious and unpredictable -- and each day is a gift, not a prerequisite to living.
In a country where journalists are banned from saying or writing what they want, musical artists like Friday D’ Legend have stepped up to speak for those who cannot.
Friday is one of Liberia’s most iconic musical talents today. There is a reason why he is so loved by his fans. Friday is true to his people and has tirelessly worked to refine and shape the sound of his country’s music, gaining international recognition for his work.
In talking about his life ambitions, Friday once said --he became a musician not for success or his own glory, but to be "the voice of his people. To fly the Liberian flag high. Representing Liberia’s birth -- by a group of free people of color -- formerly enslaved primarily from the US.
There is a deep abiding connection there for the planet as a whole -- and it has come full fold once again in America.
Friday has made his countrymen proud by showcasing Liberian music - making significant waves beyond the shores of Africa. His music highlights the sound and movement of Liberian culture.
Today – we are fighting to keep Fridays’ light shining and his fans are a beacon of hope.
The Liberian born entertainer has battled a devastating illness privately throughout the span of his entire career. Today -- due to new medical developments and surgery slated to commence shortly -- which will temporarily remove him from the world stage -- he felt it necessary to expound on the gravity of his current situation.
Prior to today, the entertainer has not discussed the illness publicly -- simply because he was waiting for a miracle. The supernatural occurrence has not yet occurred, however, Friday is still very optimistic that it will.
Friday has been battling with Esophageal varices since he was a child. This disease causes the veins to enlarge in the tube that connects the throat and stomach. This condition occurs most often when there is serious damage to the liver. He is also contending with Cirrhosis and Portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is an increase in the pressure within the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
Friday will undergo what is called the TIPS procedure - (Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt). During this 3 hour surgery doctors will work to reroute blood flow in the liver which will reduce his abnormally high blood pressure in the veins of the stomach, esophagus, bowel and liver -- reducing the risks of bleeding from enlarged veins across the esophagus and stomach.
If the surgery is a success -- to say it will make his life better is an understatement. There are no words to express the huge cloud that would be lifted.
It is understood that we all will pass from this Earth someday. But until that day, Friday is choosing life. To live and he needs your help.
No one should ever have to choose between continuing to fight to live through a devastating illness and a mountain of medical bills and just being able to survive through it all.
Friday and his team have launched a Go Fund Me Campaign to assist with the overwhelming medical bills stemming from the diseases afflicting his body.
If this is successful, the team hopes to continue taking his talents to the next level -- continuing to create a legacy -- by bringing to the forefront his greatest creation – his life in living color through sound.
If you've ever enjoyed his music and watching him perform live -- now is your chance to reach out --- because Friday needs your help.
“I know if I don’t try something I will always wonder. It’s important to me at this juncture in my existence to show my supporters – how deeply I want to continue to be here – and it is because of them -- that I am,” -- Friday added.
Friday has struggled silently for far too long. Despite his condition he has done so much for his country. He has beaten the odds of poverty and living with a life threatening disease -- while still putting Liberia on the map.
His doctors have stated that every time he performed -- he was risking his life -- and today we know that the power of the most high and the spirit of love from his fans – has kept him safe.
His Team seeks to raise $100,000– which they say would cover some of the exhausting medical bills and assist him financially while is unable to to perform.
Friday – has been grateful over the years for the medical breakthroughs along the difficult journey but insurance doesn’t cover everything. There are unrelenting medical costs on a continuous basis.
Friday is currently taking a multitude of medications as well as going through extreme physical and painful challenges. This is just the part of the daily cost that is without a doubt a financial burden that could never be met alone.
A Huge thank you for Carla Simpson for helping with this campaign .