Help Kay Cole with Michael's Medical Expenses

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Brent Beerman and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Kay Cole.

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Kay Cole and her husband Michael Lamont have been an integral part of the Los Angeles theater scene for over 40 years. Some of you know Michael Lamont from his days as a Broadway performer in shows like OLIVER! and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Others of you know Michael as the drummer from the 1960’s psychedelic rock band Group Therapy. Many of you know Michael from his more than 40 years as a professional photographer. Most of you know Michael as a beloved friend.

What you may not know is that for the past few years, under the care of his devoted wife Kay Cole, Michael has been battling the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Kay has been his steadfast partner in this journey, navigating both the emotional and financial costs since Michael had to stop working over two years ago. On May 2, 2023, as a result of the overwhelming amount of assistance needed for his sudden and dramatic cognitive and physical decline, Kay was faced with the difficult but necessary decision to admit Michael into hospice care. And it is with sadness that we inform you that just a few weeks later, on May 21, 2023, Michael passed away.

Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia and has been identified as the most expensive disease in America, more than cancer, more than heart disease. The number of families going bankrupt to pay for dementia care not covered by our current healthcare system is staggering. We don’t want this to happen to Kay.

Their health insurance only covers a small portion of the expenses needed to provide for Michael’s daily around-the-clock care. The last thing we want is for Kay to worry about money.

So here we are, turning to those of you who know and love Kay and Michael. Every donation will be of help and comfort to them. Contribute if you can, and please share widely.

With gratitude,

BJ Ward, Kathi Chaplar, & Brent Beerman

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A brief history of Kay & Michael:

Kay met Michael during the Broadway production of BYE BYE BIRDIE. Kay was 12 at the time but had lied that she was 13, as they only wanted to hire teenagers. Michael was 13. They both continued to perform in many Broadway shows. Michael was in OLIVER!, DO I HEAR A WALTZ?, and THE ROYAL HUNT OF THE SUN. Kay went onto many shows including STOP THE WORLD - I WANT TO GET OFF, HAIR, and originated the role of Maggie in A CHORUS LINE. Although they both performed in the Broadway production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, it was not at the same time.

They both moved to LA, where Kay continued to sing, act, choreograph, teach and direct. Michael started taking headshots for other actors and quickly became a photographer in high demand for production stills, as well as shooting several indie films. In fact, Kay and Michael collaborated on two films, COUNTRY RULES and THQ, with Kay as the Director and Michael as the Director of Photography. Michael worked as an LA-based photographer for over 40 years.

Dedicating their lives to the arts requires a constant effort to adapt to a changing world. Especially working as artists during the pandemic, Kay and Michael's income has been infrequent and uncertain. Their health benefits are not comprehensive. But through it all, they have shifted through their careers, as one must, to assume new roles.