JWP had the opportunity tonight to play a show we’ve never played before. Tonight, we were blessed with the chance to play at the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Chantilly, VA (which, coincidentally is not Falls Church, VA). The show was a silent auction and concert to raise money for MS awareness and treatment.
The benefit was organized by an amazing group called Jacki’s Determined Soles. They’re a group of individuals dedicated to doing the right thing, and tonight’s right thing was working to help treat MS.
What’s MS? An explanation from Dr. Ray Strand, M.D.*
“Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects about 250,000 Americans and is about twice as common in women as in men. This disorder affects the myelin sheath (insulation around the nerve). The breakdown of the myelin, called demyelination, results in impairment of the function of the nerve with presenting clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Dr. LeVine first proposed a hypothesis in 1992 that multiple sclerosis was caused by the hydroxyl free radical found in excess within the myelin sheath. Other investigators have further documented that oxidative stress is very high during active progression of multiple sclerosis when compared to those individuals whose multiple sclerosis is in remission or when compared with normal controls. Several other studies have demonstrated strong evidence that the underlying cause of multiple sclerosis is oxidative stress.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body is essentially attacking itself. One’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheath around the nerve and causes an inflammatory response. It is actually the oxidative stress caused by this reaction that is damaging the myelin sheath. The clinical course of MS is definitely varied. Some of my patients progress rapidly and are wheelchair bound or bed bound within a few short years. Other patients actually have a fairly normal life and will go years before they have any kind of a set back.”
MS is a disease, but it’s treatable, which is why raising awareness and research money is so critical. We were happy to be a part of tonight’s event.
Special thanks to John Goins and Mary (I did not get your last name) for a unique blend of acoustic tunes to open the night. Seriously, ever seen a duo cover Lady Gaga, Boston and The Presidents of the United States (with only one rehearsal!)
Next up…back to the beach! (cue the bongos)
We’ll be at Tim’s II at Fairview Beach this Saturday night. Join us.
Bring your Hawaiian shirt, 
your boat, 
and your spare liver!
Cheers!
JWP