Hepatitis C Awareness Internet Telethon

(PRWEB) April 19, 2005

After losing a close friend to Hepatitis C in 2001, Kelly Zirbes and her band Kelly's Lot began a four year campaign offering Hep C information at all their shows. Wanting to reach more people, Kelly put out a call to other musicians across the country to help raise awareness on a national level by distributing information about Hep C. The response was astounding and led to the founding of HepatitisCAware.org. A postcard was designed for the campaign and grass roots movement began, which has now grown into a national coalition of musicians and street teams working together to raise awareness of this deadly disease. This year's Internet telethon, the organization's second such event, takes place on Saturday, May 14 from noon-8pm PST. The 2nd annual telethon will air LIVE at http://www.HepCaware.org or http://www.alternative.nu and will feature musical performances by Gene Butler, Che Zuro, Kat Parsons, Corday, The Willies, Slim Chance, Gilli Moon, Clementine, Nina Jo, Simply Complex, Tee-M, Susan Laurenzi, Marina V, Deb Pasternak, Gwen Cardenas and Kin, Steve Pierson, Amilia Spicer, Ballentine, Throwing Toasters and Kelly's Lot. Also featuring comedians Steve Bruner, Lord Carrett, Matt Iseman, Chris Strait, Dean Evans, Willis Turner,Pat Loborio, Kira Soltanovich and Courtney Cronin. From 7-8pm we will feature the new documentary "Silence Is Deadly- Living With Hepatitis C by Kindra Ruocco. Hepatitis C information will be provided by Mary White from the West L.A. Veteran's Hospital and other special guests. Sponsored by KJLA, ihost.nu, EarCandy, MM Productions, PK Entertainment, GoGirlsMusic.com, Miles High Productions, Yellowspot Design and Alternative.nu

Raising Awareness of Hepatitis C

Saturday May 14 noon-8pm LIVE

Log on to http://www.HepCAware.org or http://www.Alternative.nu
Featuring Musical Performances, Comedy and Lots of Information

PLUS! The world premiere of "Silence is Deadly - Living With Hepatitis C"

Sponsored by KJLA, ihost.nu, and EarCandyPost.com

For more info, an interview or to receive a PSA

Please Contact:

Kelly Zirbes

(818)769-2701

HepatitisCAware@aol.com

http://www.HepCAware.org.

Hepatitis C Awareness, Inc is a non profit 501(c)(3)

Hepatitis C is a systemic blood borne virus that primarily attacks the liver

It is spread by blood to blood contact

1 in 50 Americans have HCV - 2 out of 3 do not know it.

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C

Risk factors:

Have you:

• received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992?
• ever shared drug paraphernalia? injecting or snorting
• ever been stuck by a used blood needle?
• been on kidney dialysis?
• had a tattoo or body piercing?
• had sexual activity that involves contact with blood?
• shared personal care items(razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with other people?
• been incarcerated
• war veteran (especially vietnam)

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus Get Tested!

For more info please visit http://www.HepCAware.org

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