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GoFundMe and benefit show established for Boston music scene veteran Ian Lawrence


Back in December and right before Christmas, longtime New England music scene fixture Ian Lawrence was hospitalized with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Now, faced with a mandatory kidney transplant, extensive rehabilitation, and mounting medical bills, those around him have organized a GoFundMe campaign and a benefit show May 2 at the Middle East in Cambridge.

Lawrence, who resides in Princeton with his wife Sara, due to give birth to a baby girl this week, and their two-year-old son Leif, was the drummer in Boston band Charlene, co-ran Barge Recordings, is the owner of another label, Northern Plastics, and is a monthly resident DJ at Central Square dance party Soulelujah.

Now the soul night is chipping in to help raise funds for Lawrence’s recovery, linking up with RTT Presents and its home base of the Middle East on a night that will also feature live performances from Animal Hospital, Party Bois, and Gold Muse.

“Cover starts at 10 buckaroonies in advance and $15 at the door, but folks can donate extra at the door as well,” writes Sean Quinn of Soulelujah. “Proceeds go towards helping Ian and his wife Sara get through the time after Ian’s transplant and help with the new baby. Anyone that comes to the benefit show will also get admission to Soulelujah afterwards, like a two for one. There will be some sort of raffle too. All in all a solid show to help a solid dude.”

Here’s the link to the GoFundMe page, with the full description after the jump.


Hi!

My name is Eliza, and I’ve created this page hoping to help out some truly wonderful people – and incredible friends. The Lawrence family have been dealt a pretty difficult hand.

Sara, Ian, their 2 year old son Leif, and soon-to-arrive Baby Girl (due this week!!) have lived and worked in the Boston area for years. Ian has played music (Charlene), co-ran a label (Barge Recordings), is the owner of Northern Plastics, and DJs around New England and Soulelujah once a month. They currently reside in Princeton, MA. Many of you know them and love them.

Just before Christmas, Ian was rushed to the hospital, to discover his kidneys are failing. After intense testing, a biopsy, and some hemorrhaging, it was discovered he has end stage chronic kidney disease and is living with a mere 6% of his kidney function.

Ian will need a kidney transplant as soon as possible.

Christmas eve Ian was rushed to the hospital to start immediate emergency dialysis. He now requires five hour dialysis sessions, three days a week, until he can have a transplant.

Ian’s sister Portia has volunteered a kidney, which is wonderful news, but insurance is currently hesitating covering the testing necessary to confirm a match.

Kidney transplants are invasive, difficult, and painful. Recovery can often take several months.

Both Sara and Ian have continued to work, but they are both soon going to need medical leave. They are dealing with arduous, painful treatments and impending major surgery. They manage to stay positive, juggling a wild two-year-old and preparing for a newborn, but this family could really use your help!!

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!