Cheryl JJET releases tribute clip to Fred Hollows
Australian rock band Jet has joined forces with The Fred Hollows Foundation, releasing a new video clip on YouTube to pay tribute to the life and work of the renowned eye surgeon.
Gabi Hollows, the wife of the late Fred Hollows wrote to Jet to seek approval for the use of their song Shine On with new footage of the Foundation's work.
In the letter, she writes: "When it came to the music, we felt there was only one option - 'Shine On'.
"There are so many reasons why it fits so well - from specific lyrics (for example: 'Before I go I want you to know there will always be a light') and the way the song moves through moments of sadness to inspiration (allowing progression in the stories of patients), to the wider picture.
"We believe Jet really encapsulates Fred's attitude of getting out there and making things happen," Gabi said.
Professor Fred Hollows was an ophthalmologist first began his charitable work to restore sight to the cataract blind in the indigenous rural communities in Australia. From 1976-1978, over 465 communities were visited, 100,000 people screened, 27,000 people treated for trachoma and 1,000 operations performed. As a result of the program, Fred Hollows championed the treatment of trachoma and other eye diseases, which were prevalent among Aboriginal people.
It was a trip to Eritrea that sparked his desire to take his skills to developing countries. He and his wife Gabi began the Fred Hollows Foundation in 1992, despite the fact that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and knew that he didn’t have much longer to live. He campaigned tirelessly to raise money to reduce one of the barriers to disadvantaged people having their sight restored. Fred lost his battle with cancer in 1993. The work of the Foundation continues.
Jet's lead singer Nic Cester said: "Fred Hollows was such a big figure in Australia and he had a huge impact but he passed away when there was still work to do. This clip is a bit of a reminder, hopefully it encourages people to make a donation to keep Fred's work going."
Cataract blindness is responsible for half of the cases of avoidable blindness. It can be overcome with a relatively simple operation, costing as little as $25 in some developing countries.
"For the cost of a CD you can help someone see again. I just hope this clip helps to get that message out there," Cester said.
In 2006 The Fred Hollows Foundation helped over 70,000 people in the developing world to see again and The Foundation has set a target of doubling that annual figure within the next five years.
Please, next time you go to buy a CD just think about how you could help restore someone's sight. It's a small dent in your wallet but it could make such a huge difference in someone's life.
Sources: Sydney Morning Herald and Hollows.org
Image from jettheband.com
Gabi Hollows, the wife of the late Fred Hollows wrote to Jet to seek approval for the use of their song Shine On with new footage of the Foundation's work.
In the letter, she writes: "When it came to the music, we felt there was only one option - 'Shine On'.
"There are so many reasons why it fits so well - from specific lyrics (for example: 'Before I go I want you to know there will always be a light') and the way the song moves through moments of sadness to inspiration (allowing progression in the stories of patients), to the wider picture.
"We believe Jet really encapsulates Fred's attitude of getting out there and making things happen," Gabi said.
Professor Fred Hollows was an ophthalmologist first began his charitable work to restore sight to the cataract blind in the indigenous rural communities in Australia. From 1976-1978, over 465 communities were visited, 100,000 people screened, 27,000 people treated for trachoma and 1,000 operations performed. As a result of the program, Fred Hollows championed the treatment of trachoma and other eye diseases, which were prevalent among Aboriginal people.
It was a trip to Eritrea that sparked his desire to take his skills to developing countries. He and his wife Gabi began the Fred Hollows Foundation in 1992, despite the fact that he had been diagnosed with cancer in 1988 and knew that he didn’t have much longer to live. He campaigned tirelessly to raise money to reduce one of the barriers to disadvantaged people having their sight restored. Fred lost his battle with cancer in 1993. The work of the Foundation continues.
Image from hollows.org
Jet's lead singer Nic Cester said: "Fred Hollows was such a big figure in Australia and he had a huge impact but he passed away when there was still work to do. This clip is a bit of a reminder, hopefully it encourages people to make a donation to keep Fred's work going."
Cataract blindness is responsible for half of the cases of avoidable blindness. It can be overcome with a relatively simple operation, costing as little as $25 in some developing countries.
"For the cost of a CD you can help someone see again. I just hope this clip helps to get that message out there," Cester said.
In 2006 The Fred Hollows Foundation helped over 70,000 people in the developing world to see again and The Foundation has set a target of doubling that annual figure within the next five years.
Phone 1800 352 352 or visit http://www.hollows.org.au to support The Foundation.
Please, next time you go to buy a CD just think about how you could help restore someone's sight. It's a small dent in your wallet but it could make such a huge difference in someone's life.
Sources: Sydney Morning Herald and Hollows.org
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