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Musician Raising Lupus Awareness

Hello, my name is Parker Hatcher.


I’m a Winnipeg born musician with an autoimmune disease called "SLE Lupus". Or Systemic Lupus. “Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.”

And unfortunately, there is no cure.

When I was diagnosed, about 7-8 years back, I gave up. Laid down and stayed down. To sum it all up and get to the point, I was asked to play a show in Toronto as a musical guest at a documentary release party.
I used to play gigs left and right. But I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Because there wasn’t anybody out there, showing me that it was possible. And I felt like hell.
But, I took to the road and I did the show.

When I got back home to Winnipeg, I decided that I had to do something. There’s no cure for many autoimmune illnesses. We’re given medication that masks the problem, and radiation is also an option for some. But again, there’s no cure.
The reason I felt so compelled to do this, is because I grew up with my mother, a single parent of 4 children, and she was diagnosed with SLE Lupus 21 years ago. Growing up I watched her do exactly what I did. Give up. Lay down. Stay down. I can’t express how much this illness and others like it affect a person mentally. But after realizing I was not useless, I began taking the steps needed to be a positive figure for this community.

Music is what I know best. I’ve been composing and recording for many years. It’s also a universal language. So I started my campaign to help those who suffer from these illnesses around my ability to reach out, through music.

I started raising money for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. As I need to use a chair when I’m out in public. Or some sort of walking aid.
The goal for me, was to tour, and to reach as many people as possible, and spread hope and awareness. I want to be able to say "Hey, look, I'm sick, I struggle, I want to give up sometimes, but I don't have to, and neither do you".

These illnesses are severely neglected by our government, and by our communities. We’re sort of swept under a rug.

I started “The Hatcher Lupus and Autoimmune Relief Foundation” As a way to raise awareness, help others understand the need for better treatment options, better sensitivity toward those who have these illnesses, and start a dialogue. How can we acheive anything if we aren’t aware?

 I want to do as much as I can with what I have.

I started collecting instrument donations for an auction that I hope to have as soon as I can. I am still trying to collect instrument donations and gear. I want people to be interested, and want to help.
I also do guitar tech work, and donate to the Canadian lupus foundation, as well as put it in my personal nonprofit, so I may hopefully, sooner than later, sponsor individuals around Canada, and help them with accessibility needs, basic needs, and everything that comes with living this way.

I started writing a concept album called “Ward 3”. It’s about the struggles, the ups and downs, the good and the bad. A look into the human mind from the perspective of a person who simply isn’t physically healthy, and of course struggles with mental illness as a package deal.

 

Portions for all sales from the new album will go into the nonprofit. Everything else will be directly helping thoes who live with these illnesses. 


I’ve been doing this for about 3 years, and It has not been easy. But with some much needed help, I think we can make this snowball and become something amazing.

Please share and if you want to find my music or more information about myself, please go to www.parkerhatcher.com

 

If you are unable to donate online, email me at [email redacted] to make arrangements to donate via mail, or another source.

Organizer

Parker Hatcher
Organizer
Winnipeg, MB
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