This was posted on Facebook from Danny Powell, President of the Kansas City Blues Society:
“You want to know why I am involved with KCBS? Last evening I was invited over to the Topeka Blues Society for a special event. Many of you may or may not know but the Pina Brothers out of Wichita Ks. represented the Kansas City Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase. Over the past year I have come to know this family and I am so proud to say that they have become family to me. Right after the trip to Memphis, I received a phone call from their father, Richard Pina, and he informed me that he had colon cancer and the prognosis was not good. Needless to say, I was floored by this news and my first call was to my good friend Bill Fish. We have all rallied around the Pina family while they go through this terrible disease. Last evening, I had the privilege to talk about the Pina family and present a set of drums and two guitars to the Pina Brothers. I actually got to see Chris Pina smile. These were donated by John Catt of the Blue Star Connection. John, you work and dedication is an inspiration to me. Count me as one of your soldiers. To Rod Peterson, Suki Willison and the Topeka Blues Society, thank you for the hospitality that you showed us all. You have a great thing going on over there in Topeka and I look forward to working with you anytime. Our Board members, LaDonna Lonberger Sanders, Deanna Narron Spencer and Dave Stephenson, I am proud to work with such great people. And to the Fish family. Bill Fish, Samantha KC Fish, Kerri Abraham, Kristopher R Schnebelen, Amanda Fish time and time again you come through and do what is necessary to bring a little joy and comfort to those in distress. I value your friendship. To the Pina family, Richard and Jennifer Pina, we know that your battle is long and we will all fight for you and with you in the coming months. This event was a Colorado, Topeka Kansas and Kansas City Missouri connection. That’s how we roll and that is why I am proud to be involved. Stay tuned, another young person is going to get a surprise real soon.”
The Topeka Blues Society is very proud to be a part of Blue Star Connection. Please send your prayers and healing vibes to the Pina family as they face this battle.
