For Immediate Release
August 22, 2006 Contact: Kelly Zirbes (818)769-2701 HepatitisCAware@aol.comNational Hepatitis C Spokesperson Kelly Zirbes
Announces 3rd Annual “Hep C Aware†Telethon
Raising Awareness of Hepatitis C
Live on the Internet and KVMD TV October 21!
Sponsorship Packages Now Available
WHAT: HEP C AWARE – THE INTERNET TELETHON
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2006
TIME: 12 – 8 pm PST
WHERE: www.hepcaware.org, www.alternative.nu, KVMD TV
WHY: To raise awareness of Hepatitis C
WHO: Musical artists, comedians, doctors and interviews with people living with Hepatitis C
National spokesperson for Hep C Aware and The Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program (HCCAP) has announced the 3rd Annual “Hep C Aware†Telethon to air over the Internet and on KVMD TV Channel 23, Saturday, October 21, 2006. The Telethon is the signature event of the partnership between Hep C Aware, www.HepCAware.org and HCCAP, www.HepChallenge.org , both non-profit organizations dedicated to raising awareness of Hepatitis C. This event will be live on the internet for eight hours, on TV in Southern California for two hours and will feature musical performances by over 20 bands, comedians and medical experts as well as special guests, music videos and featured spots about Hepatitis C throughout the entire event. The Telethon has now opened its doors to sponsorships from anyone interested in helping with the fight against this debilitating disease. This major event will feature performances by some of the industry’s most celebrated artists. Already on board are legendary MC5 founder and guitarist Wayne Kramer, comedian Courtney Cronin and special guest comics, blues rocker Peach, female-fronted guitar rockers Kanary, Malibu’s Big Dume, Paperback Hero, Eden Automatic, Deb Pasternak, Hard Luck Story, Keaton Simons, Lauren Adams, Malea McGuinness and Kelly's Lot. The Telethon will be promoted with PSA’s prior to the event on KVMD, print ads in Los Angeles area newspapers, street teams, Internet radio promotions and banner placement on a variety of websites. Previous sponsors have included KJLA, Ihost.nu, Earcandy, MM Productions, Yellowspot Design, PK Entertainment, Truman Agency, GoGirlsMusic.com, City Of Los Angeles, Carson/Tahoe Hospital, Miles High Productions, Roche Pharmaceuticals, The Prime Spot, All Access Magazine and Hepatitis Magazine. The idea for the Telethon was born 3 years after Kelly Zirbes began raising awareness of Hepatitis C to honor her friend Gioia, who lost her battle with the disease. During that time Kelly produced benefits and shows all over the country with the help of other musicians interested in making a difference. After hosting a online Music Video show Kelly realized that the internet was the perfect tool to quickly and efficiently raise awareness and provide information about this silent epidemic. In 2004, Zirbes founded HepCAware.org and created the Telethon to do just that. With the help of the Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program the telethon has also become a voice for those affected by Hepatitis C.Hepatitis C is a systemic blood borne virus that primarily attacks the liver. One in 50 Americans have HCV yet two out of three of them do not know it. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. You may have been exposed to Hepatitis C and should get tested if you have: received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992, ever shared drug, paraphernalia, either by injecting or snorting, ever been stuck by a used blood needle, been on kidney dialysis, had a tattoo or body piercing, had sexual activity that involves contact with blood, shared personal care items(razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with other people, been incarcerated or are a war veteran (especially Vietnam).
For More Info Please Contact:
Kelly Zirbes – 818-769-2701
Hep C Aware is a non-profit organization. Fed Tax ID # 04-3798630
All contributions are tax deductible as provided by law.