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"Syracuse blues fans who know Kenny Neal and his family may have already learned from my August 3rd entry on this web site about Kenny Neal's concert in the Poconos, that Kenny's father, Raful, is battling cancer. Recently, friends of the Neal family have begun a fundraising drive to help pay medical costs for Raful. Anyone who knows musicians realizes that seldom are they compensated for their talents to an adaquate extent, and seldom do they have pensions and medical benefits which are taken for granted by most of us. So the need for Raful and Kenny Neal's friends to reach out is real and it would be wonderful if people in the Syracuse community who have enjoyed Kenny's music for years and respected Blues pioneers, Raful among them, send along a small donation. Read on."-Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann
Dear Friends and Fans, Mr. Raful Neal, head of the very notable and talented Neal family, is battling bone cancer and has been undergoing radiation treatment to fight this dreaded disease. The medical bills are mounting but he and his family are hanging tough. Raful is not only a musical talent but a true treasure of a person. Sharing his gift of music with the world, he has also passed it along to his children and grandchildren. Not only is it difficult to watch your loved one struggle through these treatments but it is also taxing on the finances. It would be a wonderful gesture to have the entire Blues community rally around them to assist in their needs - physically, spiritually and financially. An account is being set up to help offset some of the healthcare costs. If you are able and would like to help out, please do so by sending your donation to the following address: Raful Neal Cancer Fund,
C/O Bank One,
651471294,
5900 Airline Highway,
Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Cards and letters, thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated, as well. These can be mailed to: Mr. Raful Neal,
P.O. Box 54243,
Baton Rouge, LA. 70892 Please forward this message to others in your address books. On behalf of the entire Neal family we say thank you! Sincerely, Serena James
President, Central Iowa Blues Society Debbie Hollands,
Kenny Neal Fan Club Pres. For All That's News In Blues
Join Neal & Prey-The Kenny Neal Fan Club |
Raful Neal, Kenny's father, pictured here with Kenny at the 2002 New York State 11th Annual Rhythm & Blues Festival. |
The Neal Family, Raful Neal (l), Kenny Neal (m) and Jackie Neal (r) performing at the 2002 New York State 11th Annual Rhythm & Blues Festival. |
Kenny Neal wowed the crowd with a vicious harmonica solo at the Pocono Blues Festival last August. |