For Callum
download available via bandcamp

All proceeds go to Callum Robbins’ care fund

All the Way Rider, Arcwelder, Careers in Modeling, Chad, Channels, E. Fowlkes Sextet, Engine 88, Engine Down, Eternals, Gordonovich, David Grubbs, Halloween, Alaska, The Icy Shores, Imaginary Johnny, Jawbreaker, Kingfield, Bryan Knisley, Joe Lally, The Life and Times, Maritime, Medications, Bill Mike, The Million, Mission of Burma, Travis Morrison, Drew O’Doherty,The Oranges Band, Pilot to Gunner, Roh Delikat, Self-Evident, The Spectaculars, Story of the Sea

A joint project originally administered by The Cultural Society, Catlick Records, & Letterbox

Our friends Janet Morgan (Shonben, Channels) & J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels) have a son, Callum, who turned 1 in January, 2007. Approximately 6 months prior to his birthday, Callum was diagnosed with with a genetic motor neuron disease called Type 1 SMA, or Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Type 1 SMA affects the brain’s ability to communicate with the voluntary muscles that are used for crawling, walking, head & neck control, breathing, and swallowing. Most Type 1 babies will die before their second birthday. Infants who do survive into childhood face a life of occupational therapy, wheelchairs, and assistive devices. There is currently no known cure. The fact is that Callum is pressed for time & his parents need help now.

Although conventional medicine is frequently covered by insurance, alternative procedures & therapies are not. As Janet & J. pursue all available courses of treatment for Callum, the need for additional funds has become increasingly urgent.

The Cultural Society, Catlick Records, & Letterbox compiled this collection of songs in order to raise money for Callum’s care fund. All proceeds will go directly to Janet & J. to help ensure that they have sufficient resources to continue their search for effective, lasting treatment. Though our energies here are focused on the plight of our friends, it should be noted that a cure for Callum could also mean a cure for the other thousands of babies who suffer from SMA.

For their readiness, willingness, & awareness, we would like to thank the artists & technicians who contributed their music, energy, time, & skills to the realization of this project. Thanks, also, to Kim & Bill at DeSoto Records for getting the fundraising ball rolling, & to you for supporting this cause.

For more information about Callum, please visit Callum’s blog, where you’ll also find links to further information about SMA.