Manitoba Live Music Event

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The West End Cultural Centre is proud to host a fundraising concert in support of Emma Cloney on March 29th, 2023. Emma is a beloved member of the Winnipeg music community who is currently struggling to cover the cost of treatment for Lipedema. 
 
Lipedema is a painful and disabling genetic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat in the arms and legs. Although there are no cures, there are treatments that can help Emma restore wellness and fully return back to her life. The specialized surgery is not available in Canada and requires Emma to travel to the United States to continued treatment. In January 2022, Manitoba Health approved Emma’s full course of treatment. After three of her seven needed surgeries, suddenly, without valid reason, Manitoba Health changed their minds about supporting the life changing medically necessary surgeries. Manitoba Health now refuses to cover the costs of Emma’s surgery and instead the province invites her to “fund the treatment yourself”. 
 
Each surgery comes at the unimaginable expense of $18,000 per treatment. Simply an impossible burden for Emma and her family as she is now living on disability due to her illness.  The legal process to fight this unjust decision from Manitoba Health has been lengthy and delayed several times in the meantime Emma must continue her treatments to manage her aggressive condition or risk permanent disability. 
 
"We are pleased to be able to use our venue as a platform to support Emma during this challenging time," said Artistic Director, Jorge Requena Ramos. "The West End Cultural Centre has always been a space for people to come together and celebrate community. We are proud to do our part to support Emma in her time of need.”
 
The concert will feature an incredible lineup of local musical icons including Daniel Jordan and Daniel Peloquin-Hopfner of Red Moon Road, Jorge Requena Ramos of The Mariachi Ghost, Leonard Podolak, Madeleine Roger, Nathan Rogers, Raine Hamilton, Scott Nolan, Sol James, and The Small Glories. All of these musicians are graciously donating their time and talents to support their friend. All ticket sales as well as money raised from door prizes will go to help Emma offset the cost of her medical treatments.