Rudy Gomis Wellness Fund
Donation protected
THE STORY: In October, 2016, Rudy Gomis, lead singer for the beloved African dance band Orchestra Baobab, and longtime language instructor in Dakar, Senegal, suffered a severe form of meningitis . The illness put him in a coma that lasted weeks, and, when he finally came to, left him paralyzed. He has been slowly regaining the use of his limbs -- first his arms and now his legs -- but he still is not able to walk. He will require at least a year of costly physical therapy and rehabilitation. His wife has been his main caretaker, doing the heavy lifting, in addition to her full-time job.
WHY GoFundMe? In today's music market, it is very difficult to earn money without touring, especially for African musicians. While we continue to enjoy the sweet music that Rudy and Orchestra Baobab brought into our lives, let's send some support and love Rudy's way. They welcome support with medical expenses, extra home care support, and some modifications to stairways in their modest home.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Post this campaign to your Facebook page
- Share with other friends who know Rudy or Orchestra Baobab
- Share your stories with Rudy's family in the Comments section (in French or English)
THERE IS REASON TO HOPE! Rudy's wife says that he is starting to sing again, and with your help Rudy might be strong enough to perform again!
WHO AM I? Good question, especially for those of you donating who don't know me. I was a language student of Rudy's in 1994 during my study abroad semester in Senegal. I eventually moved to Senegal to work at the Baobab Center where Rudy taught, and I became a part of the most wonderful family of colleagues. After four years there, I moved back to the US, and now, still working in the field of study abroad, I have the chance to travel to Dakar occasionally for work. The last time I saw Rudy before the illness was during a week-long business trip in October 2011. On my last night in Senegal (and only night in Dakar), his band was playing in town. I danced until 2 am, then caught a flight home, grinning ear to ear. Here's a shot from that night. (Rudy on the right, Doyen Sow in the center, and me on the left).
I had a chance to visit with Rudy in January during my most recent visit to Senegal. He had lost a great deal of weight and was restricted to his bed, but his sense of humor and gentleness of spirit were still very alive. He continues to improve, and I sincerely hope he will come out of this stronger.
WHY GoFundMe? In today's music market, it is very difficult to earn money without touring, especially for African musicians. While we continue to enjoy the sweet music that Rudy and Orchestra Baobab brought into our lives, let's send some support and love Rudy's way. They welcome support with medical expenses, extra home care support, and some modifications to stairways in their modest home.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Post this campaign to your Facebook page
- Share with other friends who know Rudy or Orchestra Baobab
- Share your stories with Rudy's family in the Comments section (in French or English)
THERE IS REASON TO HOPE! Rudy's wife says that he is starting to sing again, and with your help Rudy might be strong enough to perform again!
WHO AM I? Good question, especially for those of you donating who don't know me. I was a language student of Rudy's in 1994 during my study abroad semester in Senegal. I eventually moved to Senegal to work at the Baobab Center where Rudy taught, and I became a part of the most wonderful family of colleagues. After four years there, I moved back to the US, and now, still working in the field of study abroad, I have the chance to travel to Dakar occasionally for work. The last time I saw Rudy before the illness was during a week-long business trip in October 2011. On my last night in Senegal (and only night in Dakar), his band was playing in town. I danced until 2 am, then caught a flight home, grinning ear to ear. Here's a shot from that night. (Rudy on the right, Doyen Sow in the center, and me on the left).
I had a chance to visit with Rudy in January during my most recent visit to Senegal. He had lost a great deal of weight and was restricted to his bed, but his sense of humor and gentleness of spirit were still very alive. He continues to improve, and I sincerely hope he will come out of this stronger.
Organiser
Josh Moore
Organiser
Beloit, WI
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