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Gregg Allman, Merck and the Liver Foundation - Concert in NY
Interesting partnership.
Legendary Musician Gregg Allman Joins Merck and American Liver Foundation to Launch Tune In to Hep C Public Awareness Campaign
Benefit Concert to be Held in New York on July 27, the Eve of World Hepatitis Day
Press Release Source: Merck On Tuesday June 21, 2011, 8:00 am EDT
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Merck (NYSE:MRK - News) (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) today announced that Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman will work together with the company and the American Liver Foundation on Tune In to Hep C, a public health campaign to help raise awareness of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. To help turn up the volume around hepatitis C a benefit concert featuring The Allman Brothers Band will be held in New York on July 27, the eve of World Hepatitis Day.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110621/NY23074LOGO )
This week marks the one-year anniversary of Allman's liver transplant, which he received after his liver had become damaged from chronic hepatitis C infection. Allman has returned to performing and recording music, and now wants to help raise awareness of hepatitis C.
"I'm excited to be working with Merck and the American Liver Foundation because there are many people who have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, but aren't taking action. I want to tell them, don't wait. Doing nothing is not an option; they need to talk with their doctor," said Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. "I made the decision to take action and talk to my doctor, so that I could get back to making the music I love. I want others to take that action too, and if I can help make that happen, I've done my job."
Nearly 3.2 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, a potentially serious disease that can damage the liver over time and lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and liver cancer. Many people infected with chronic hepatitis C do not know that they have the virus – approximately 60 to 80 percent of people infected with chronic hepatitis C virus do not have symptoms.
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) joined the Tune In to Hep C campaign to help elevate awareness of this important public health issue. ALF is a national organization advocating for those living with liver disease and their families, and provides education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
"We are thrilled to work with Merck and Gregg Allman to help educate and empower patients with chronic hepatitis C – this has been a focus of the American Liver Foundation for 35 years," said Newton Guerin, acting CEO and chief operating officer, ALF. "People don't often talk openly about their hepatitis C, which contributes to misinformation and isolation for those infected with the virus. Gregg's willingness to share his story will open the door for meaningful dialogue that can help reduce stigma and the lack of understanding surrounding chronic hepatitis C."
Merck recently announced the Hope Against Hepatitis C initiative, in which the company restated its long-standing commitment to supporting the hepatitis C community through a variety of public-private partnerships that will involve public education, patient support programs and collaborative research efforts. Working with Gregg Allman and the ALF is an example of this ongoing commitment.
"When a person like Gregg Allman comes forward to speak about his personal experience, it is extremely powerful, and we are grateful to him for his commitment to helping motivate other people with chronic hepatitis C to take action," said Mark Timney, president, Global Human Health - U.S. Market, Merck.
About the Benefit Concert
The concert, Tune In to Hep C Presents The Allman Brothers Band, will take place at The Beacon Theatre in New York City on July 27, the eve of World Hepatitis Day. The Beacon Theatre has special meaning for Allman, who has played there every year since 1991 with the exception of 2007, when the band had to cancel their performance because Allman was too ill from his chronic hepatitis C to play. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, June 22 at 12:00PM EDT. Tickets are available at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com, select Ticketmaster locations and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets also will be available at The Beacon Theatre box office beginning June 23.
Proceeds from the benefit concert will be donated to community-based organizations that provide education and support services to people with chronic hepatitis C.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Legendary-Musician-Gregg-prnews-3860333438.html?x=0&.v=1
Legendary Musician Gregg Allman Joins Merck and American Liver Foundation to Launch Tune In to Hep C Public Awareness Campaign
Benefit Concert to be Held in New York on July 27, the Eve of World Hepatitis Day
Press Release Source: Merck On Tuesday June 21, 2011, 8:00 am EDT
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Merck (NYSE:MRK - News) (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) today announced that Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman will work together with the company and the American Liver Foundation on Tune In to Hep C, a public health campaign to help raise awareness of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. To help turn up the volume around hepatitis C a benefit concert featuring The Allman Brothers Band will be held in New York on July 27, the eve of World Hepatitis Day.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110621/NY23074LOGO )
This week marks the one-year anniversary of Allman's liver transplant, which he received after his liver had become damaged from chronic hepatitis C infection. Allman has returned to performing and recording music, and now wants to help raise awareness of hepatitis C.
"I'm excited to be working with Merck and the American Liver Foundation because there are many people who have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, but aren't taking action. I want to tell them, don't wait. Doing nothing is not an option; they need to talk with their doctor," said Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band. "I made the decision to take action and talk to my doctor, so that I could get back to making the music I love. I want others to take that action too, and if I can help make that happen, I've done my job."
Nearly 3.2 million Americans have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, a potentially serious disease that can damage the liver over time and lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and liver cancer. Many people infected with chronic hepatitis C do not know that they have the virus – approximately 60 to 80 percent of people infected with chronic hepatitis C virus do not have symptoms.
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) joined the Tune In to Hep C campaign to help elevate awareness of this important public health issue. ALF is a national organization advocating for those living with liver disease and their families, and provides education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.
"We are thrilled to work with Merck and Gregg Allman to help educate and empower patients with chronic hepatitis C – this has been a focus of the American Liver Foundation for 35 years," said Newton Guerin, acting CEO and chief operating officer, ALF. "People don't often talk openly about their hepatitis C, which contributes to misinformation and isolation for those infected with the virus. Gregg's willingness to share his story will open the door for meaningful dialogue that can help reduce stigma and the lack of understanding surrounding chronic hepatitis C."
Merck recently announced the Hope Against Hepatitis C initiative, in which the company restated its long-standing commitment to supporting the hepatitis C community through a variety of public-private partnerships that will involve public education, patient support programs and collaborative research efforts. Working with Gregg Allman and the ALF is an example of this ongoing commitment.
"When a person like Gregg Allman comes forward to speak about his personal experience, it is extremely powerful, and we are grateful to him for his commitment to helping motivate other people with chronic hepatitis C to take action," said Mark Timney, president, Global Human Health - U.S. Market, Merck.
About the Benefit Concert
The concert, Tune In to Hep C Presents The Allman Brothers Band, will take place at The Beacon Theatre in New York City on July 27, the eve of World Hepatitis Day. The Beacon Theatre has special meaning for Allman, who has played there every year since 1991 with the exception of 2007, when the band had to cancel their performance because Allman was too ill from his chronic hepatitis C to play. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, June 22 at 12:00PM EDT. Tickets are available at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com, select Ticketmaster locations and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets also will be available at The Beacon Theatre box office beginning June 23.
Proceeds from the benefit concert will be donated to community-based organizations that provide education and support services to people with chronic hepatitis C.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Legendary-Musician-Gregg-prnews-3860333438.html?x=0&.v=1
Gregg will be interviewed on Sirus/XM on Ron and Fez show today, some time after 11:00 AM EST.
Tonight's show will be live on Sirus/XM Deep Tracks beginning at 8:00 PM EST. XM is channel 27.
Tonight's show will be live on Sirus/XM Deep Tracks beginning at 8:00 PM EST. XM is channel 27.
yEAH, I dont think Gregg really cares what people think of him, I'm glad he's doing this with the right attitude
Amen to Gregg! I saw him backstage at PNC in RedBank NJ in August 2009. His candir and honesty are much to be grateful for. hep C is the silent killer. No one talks about it publicly. Eventually anyone with a liver tansplant must do txin order to keep new liver, as disease is still alive in blood and reaking havoc. Wish I could go. I will be posting on my FB page and making folks aware just might encourage them to be tested. I sure am glad I did. I begin in 6 eeeks or less triple tx. Godbless Gregg!!
Great news! Glad to hear a musician as good as Gregg Allman stands up and promotes getting something done about HepC. Who knows, maybe if Steven Tyler hears about this he will join in with the message. Kudos to Gregg Allman!!
I was just watching HLN and there he was on a 10 minute special informing us he will be the new Merck posterboy. They told the public he had cancer frpm HepC was given a new liver and still suffers from HepC. Greg spoke...was informing for a change. Nice to hear some truth about HepC than all the previous bs mediia crappola...
Hope he gets well....
Hope everyone gets well.....
Was good to see and hear the truth for a change.
Love You Greg!!
Hope he gets well....
Hope everyone gets well.....
Was good to see and hear the truth for a change.
Love You Greg!!
I would love to see Gregg Allman, a true renegade. I think this will help put hep c in a different light...... at least get it out there.
Thanks Bill - if I can make it, I definitely will. Johnny Winter and others will also be here at the same festival.
Gregg's message is about facing your Hep C and not ignoring it. I have to think if he's teaming up with the Liver Foundation and Merck, makers of Boceprevir/Victrelis, there's going to be some information about treating your Hep C in there somewhere and particularly if the funds are going to Hep C organizations. I have a little more faith in his efforts than some others, for whatever reason. When I saw that Gregg Allman was doing the NY concert for Hep C awareness in such a high profile way, knowing he was also coming to my backyard practically...well, gears are turning. Interesting stuff and I'll be interested to watch how this unfolds.
Trish
Gregg's message is about facing your Hep C and not ignoring it. I have to think if he's teaming up with the Liver Foundation and Merck, makers of Boceprevir/Victrelis, there's going to be some information about treating your Hep C in there somewhere and particularly if the funds are going to Hep C organizations. I have a little more faith in his efforts than some others, for whatever reason. When I saw that Gregg Allman was doing the NY concert for Hep C awareness in such a high profile way, knowing he was also coming to my backyard practically...well, gears are turning. Interesting stuff and I'll be interested to watch how this unfolds.
Trish
I'm pretty sure he relapsed, his liver was in bad shape before he treated. I'll ask him when I see him. :)
Trish, see them if you can. Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes are great additions to the band.
Trish, see them if you can. Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes are great additions to the band.
http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Gregg_Allman_Hepatitis_C/overview/youtube?vid=2&channel=sem
It is interesting that you see all these rock stars with new livers which they need, of course, but they don't get down and do the treatment (other than nygirls's fav, Steven Tyler). Who else -- Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, David Crosby of Crosby Stills and Nash... I am sure there are others.
I am glad they are making the issue more public but I still wish they would treat.
frijole
I am glad they are making the issue more public but I still wish they would treat.
frijole
FlGuy: I suppose it's open to interpretation what Allman might have meant by that statement - whether it was simply important to address his health rather than ignore it and remain ill and take the inevitable....or that he is implying he has no more issues. Could be the way the reporter presented it as well. Regardless, I think his message and the overall message of Hep C awareness and DO something about it is coming through.
Pam - I'd be interested to know what organizations will be getting the benefit as a matter of interest also and agree, hope they publicize that.
Overall, will be interesting (hopeful?) to see what this concert and partnership brings about, that's some powerful partners working together.....interesting partnership...drug company, liver foundation and a blues rocker.
On a side note, Gregg Allman and crew will be part of a mostly free festival in my area this summer and they're doing a paid concert one of the nights as a fundraiser for the festival.
Pam - I'd be interested to know what organizations will be getting the benefit as a matter of interest also and agree, hope they publicize that.
Overall, will be interesting (hopeful?) to see what this concert and partnership brings about, that's some powerful partners working together.....interesting partnership...drug company, liver foundation and a blues rocker.
On a side note, Gregg Allman and crew will be part of a mostly free festival in my area this summer and they're doing a paid concert one of the nights as a fundraiser for the festival.
I'm glad to read that the proceeds will be funneled into community based organizations for HCV education and support. I hope these groups' names are well publicized during and after the concert AND that they provide correct and up-to date info for those that need it.
Thanks, Trish for the post.....Pam
Thanks, Trish for the post.....Pam
Yes I agree ..hence my first sentence .." good for anyone that gets out there and raises awareness" and my last sentence .."lets hope his awareness campaign helps out"
And I guess if just one person gets a liver because of his campaign .it is a great thing.
My comment about his wealth and fame and hoping he didn"t bump anyone comes from ..what we often hear about the wealthy and famous stepping ahead of the rest and that these people are deemed special . Lets hope Greg Allman stood in line like everyone else ..and then subsequently decided to do his good work . just mho.
Will
i wont get involved in the ethics but i am soooon happy to hear that this disease will have a more vocal spokesperson than most of the others who barely whispered about their affliction. go gregg. damn i will still be on a plane returning from denver. but will see on utube. good news for us. thanks trish
While I agree w/ your sentiment and would hate to be passed over for a transplant, I also leave some room that even if he did get special placement wouldn't his fame bring a greater awareness to more people and in that respect only, perhaps it can be seen as a choice that allows for a greater good overall and over time. In other words, if I am on a boat that is sinking and have to decide if I or a mother of four get the one seat in the boat, then I am going down w/ the ship. i.e. depth vs. span - always a personal moral choice and never an easy one or even one that has a "right" answer.
BTW, I didn't even know that there was a national hepatitis day...
BTW, I didn't even know that there was a national hepatitis day...
At least he is making a stand and putting it out there. He's a great musician and people will take notice.
Good for anyone that gets out there and raises awareness. I am wondering tho. if his ability to "take action" (liver transplant) was enhanced and available because of his wealth and fame.I hope he did not move even one spot ahead of anyone in the same dire need.
I imagine the roughly 19,000 folks in North America currently waiting for a transplant would love to "take action" and lets hope his awareness campaign helps out.
In the last day or two CNN had a similar video (Sanjay Gupta) report on him. An interesting aspect of this story is that althought he has had a liver transplant and is speaking for Merck he is not yet SVR.
So his quote "I made the decision to take action and talk to my doctor, so that I could get back to making the music I love. I want others to take that action too, and if I can help make that happen, I've done my job."...is not quite complete.
So his quote "I made the decision to take action and talk to my doctor, so that I could get back to making the music I love. I want others to take that action too, and if I can help make that happen, I've done my job."...is not quite complete.
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