Bands & Brews fundraiser to be held for man's kidney transplant

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Bands & Brews fundraiser to be held for man's kidney transplant

Last Update: Jul 12, 2007 7:28 PM
Posted By: brynn galindo

BAKERSFIELD - A local young man is asking for the gift of life.

Nathan Gutierrez, 24, receives dialysis treatment three times weekly and needs a kidney transplant immediately.

A campaign has been started for Nathan and others who suffer from kidney failure.

Nathan used to coach basketball to Bakersfield youth until recently, and wants to inspire the community despite his disability.

Now he needs public help more than ever.

He said he’s a leader, but things changed last year.

“I've had to come to friends and say, ‘Look, I can't do it alone,’” Nathan said. “And my family, we've been the same way. My mom and my sister are very strong individuals as well, and they've dealt with their own issues with me this year.”

Last summer, Nathan learned he needed a transplant. “It's just a very emotional situation,” said Nathan’s mother, Tamara Gutierrez, “and I think everybody is aware that if anybody was in this situation, they would know how it feels.”

Nathan has shared his love for basketball throughout Bakersfield. Michael Thompson hired him to help coach and said he’s pretty good. In fact, Nathan has helped teams win championships.

”It just inspire me that someone with his challenges, he's willing to get out there and tackle the things that are out there in being a coach,” Thompson said. “There's a lot there. It takes a lot to do that.”

The Gutierrez family is turning to the help of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association in an effort to bring more awareness.

“I just hope that everybody comes out and supports us because this is a wonderful family, and he couldn’t be a better person, and this is somebody we definitely want to support,” said Nathan’s public relations coordinator Teresa Farmer.

Insurance will only cover so much of the kidney transplant. That leaves the Gutierrez family with a deficit of about $50,000.

That's where a bar and four local bands come into play.

“We decided to get some bands together. There's going to be some special surprises to the entertainment part of it,” said “20 Years After” band coordinator Jean Erassarret. “We're doing a night of music for him. There's going to be raffles, there's going to be a lot things going on and hopefully we can raise enough money.”

Band members said they’re excited to help out.

“He's come to see us play before, and we're happy to help him out,” said band member Martie Niesen. “He needs some help, and you know, God's blessed us with the ability to do it, so we're going to do it for him.”

“Survival can be in all of us, and I’ve always tried to lead my children to believe that no matter what comes their way, that they can survive,” Tamara Gutierrez said.

NathansKidneyTeam.com is Nathan’s website where friends and family are asking for letters of encouragement and donations for the transplant.

The Bands and Brews fundraiser is next Saturday, July 21 at Fishlips at 1517 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield, featuring 20 Years After, Fat Daddy Blues band, the Bunky Sparling band, and the Tanner Byrom Experience along with special guest.

Tickets are $10 and there will be a raffle and prizes.

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=53017ac7-f43a-4da0-974c-0d3ae4328add&rss=91

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Posted 7/12/07