Have you attended a wedding, musical performance, or dance in the area and witnessed the audio engineering of Sizzlin Sounds Productions? Or have you needed medical attention or rescue by the Crawfordsville Fire Department and received excellent care? Then you have been in association with Rich Bell. Bell served the fire department for 25 years, owns a local business, and has been involved in countless community projects and events.
Now, he has a new job — fighting cancer. Bell was diagnoised with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and desperately needs a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
That is where Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel stepped in to help Bell win the battle. The Kokomo-based band is holding a benefit concert this Saturday at Crawfordsville Eagles Aerie #1005 to raise funds for medical expenses and bring awareness to bone marrow matching.
Band members include brothers Mike (vocals/guitar) and Shaun Milligan (bass) and long-time family friend Robert “Tiny” Cook (drums/vocals). They have been together since 1993 and recently celebrated over 30 years of touring and recording. They are a blues and soul music trio.
Attendees are in for a real treat with the band. They are on the heels of releasing their new album Honey Kokomo with Mojo Hut Records. The Fishers Blues Festival honored them with the Lifetime of Keeping the Blues Alive award. They have played with legends like Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, BB King, Los Lobos, Fabulous Thunderbirds and countless others.
Their performance at the Eagles will include two sets. The first set will be from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and the second set will be from 9-9:45 p.m. The new album and band merchandise will be available.
The musical group is familiar with Bell. They have worked together at several concerts and festivals.
“We keep it simple and reach out to those suffering,” said Mike Milligan. “We are excited to come to Crawfordsville for Rich.”
Be the Match Registry will also have a presence at the fundraiser. It is the largest hematopoietic (blood-forming) cell registry in the world. Transplant and cancer patients usually are matched to a donor within six months, unlike the government matching of seven to 10 years. The organization will hand out test kits and information to anyone interested in becoming a possible donor.
In addition, rubber bracelets will be sold for $2 to support Bell’s battle. The bracelets say, “Rich Bell Together We Fight.” The token is an easy way to show Bell how much our Crawfordsville community stands behind him.
Bell has his next oncology appointment Aug. 7 to determine if he has a match. If a match is made, additional tests and procedures will be scheduled to move closer to transplant surgery.
“I am truly blessed to have such an amazing support group of friends and family. You all mean the world to me,” Bell said.
Tickets will be available at the door for $10. Doors will open at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public.
