Press Release
What: Computers for Quadriplegics Music Benefit
When: July 8, 2007 Noon to 9:00pm
Entertainment By:
Nate Kieser Noon
Dave McDonald & Friends 1:15pm
The Bill Porter Project 2:30pm
Flying Drito Brothers 3:45
Robin Crowe Band 5:00pm
Doc Rodgers and the Rock Dodgers 6:15pm
Rooster Alley 7:30
Where: Paddy O'Flaherty's Irish Pub and Eatery Banquet Room
Best Western Ashland House, 201 Ashland Ave, Morton, IL 309 266-6919
Admission: $5 donation to benefit Computers For Quads
Contact: Bob Kieser - bob@illinoisblues.com - 309 267-4425
Details of Event: Computers for Quads is a not for profit corporation headed by ALS patient , Tom "Slider" Nelson. Tom was a member of the Central Illinois band the Flying Drito Brothers. He is a retired Illinois Central College psychology professor turned professional dobro player and mandolinist.
Tom, along with guitarists' Darren Peacock, Darryl Klusendorf and Danny Newby on bass played regularly at the Sky Harbor Steakhouse, The Red Barn and at many area events and venues in Central Illinois. Later after Danny Newby passed away, Bill Soleman played with Tom and Darren as a Flying Drito Brothers trio all over the area. Slider also played in the Central Illinois area band Doc Rodgers and The Rock Dodgers. His excellent dobro work can be heard on their CD "Don't Touch Me There"
Tom was stricken with ALS, also known as Lou Gherig's disease in 2000. ALS is a neuromuscular disease that causes victims to progressively lose the use of their muscles. Tom is completely paralyzed by the disease, has totally lost the use of his limbs and extremities and is on a respirator which breathes for him. Toms mind is not damaged at all from the disease and he still communicates with his laptop and a pair eyeglasses that has camera on them. The camera follows his eyes and he can blink to choose letters on his laptop computer screen. He blinks out letters to form words, then a computer voice will speak the words for him.
Tom currently resides in California and built the Computers for Quads (C4Q) website himself using his eyes to program html code. http://www.c4q.org
C4Q is an effort by Tom to continue helping others. This website helps other quadriplegics to get a laptop and the special equipment Tom uses so they too can continue to communicate with others. This first annual fundraiser is an effort to get C4Q.org funds for an inventory of laptops to place with their quadriplegic clients.
Cash donations are being accepted and we are also seeking donations of raffle items to help raise money. To donate items call Bob Kieser 309 267-4425 to arrange pick up of items or cash donations. All donations are tax deductible.