Blackfoot Morning News - Benefit concerts to help transplant recipient

BLACKFOOT — A series of benefit concerts to help transplant recipient Jamie Warren is looking for performing groups to participate, concert organizer Nikkii Riley said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO
Jamie Warren, right, spends time with her husband, Bryan Warren, while she recovers from a double lung transplant in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

   Warren received a double lung transplant in December, and Riley — Warren's sister — is organizing three nights of concerts to help with expenses associated with the transplant.
   Warren was at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. for tests, according to her blog, www.jamiebug.blogspot.com. While there, Warren fell ill and was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and sedated. While she was sleeping the hospital staff got her on a transplant list and found a donor. On Dec. 10, surgeons performed the transplant. Before Warren even knew she was on the waiting list, she had new lungs.
   Warren has been in and out of the ICU since the transplant, Riley said. On Friday she was moved from the ICU to a normal room.
   Programs from Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Rexburg have expressed interest in the concerts, which will be Feb. 21-23 at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center. Organizers are looking to get a wide variety of groups involved in the concerts.
   Programs interested in performing in a concert should contact Riley at 406-1687. Forms for performers should be turned in by Jan. 20, so organizers can have a schedule and ticket prices decided by early February, Riley said. She is also looking for an experienced videographer to record the concerts.
   Warren probably won't be able to return to Blackfoot before the concerts. If Warren's recovery continues well, she may be back sometime in March, Riley said.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 January 2008 )