Voices in Lupus raised after two-year break

After a two-year hiatus, the Hope Foundation hosted its Voices in Lupus concert on Sunday with the aim to not only entertain patrons with vocal and musical talents but to raise awareness about the autoimmune disease that affects many Barbadians.

Hope Foundation President Shelley Weir told Barbados TODAY that there were concerns the concert may not have come off this year, because of COVID-19 restrictions as well as choir members’ health concerns regarding the ongoing pandemic.

However, speaking at the conclusion of this year’s edition, an ecstatic Weir expressed her delight with the showing.

“I am extremely pleased to say that it exceeded all expectations. We are very, very pleased,” she said.

Attendees at the concert held at the Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels were treated to a scintillating night of performances from Rhesa Garnes, Nikita and Alix Cage, Dr Stedson RPB Wiltshire, the Barbados Defence Force band, and the Voices in Lupus choir.

They were vocal about their satisfaction with the talent on display throughout the show, and many declared that their attendance at next year’s concert would be a must.

Proceeds from the concert and other similar initiatives by the Hope Foundation go toward supporting several projects undertaken by the organisation, including their Lupus Essential Kit which provides up-to-date and regular information on patient vitals and allows for flagging of patients for whom urgent critical and laboratory review are needed.

The kits, which are valued at $200, are seen as a timely and cost-effective way to monitor the vitals of lupus patients, given that the estimated annual cost of dialysis is $48 000. (SB)