John Richard said he is no stranger to the physical and emotional pain of fighting a life-threatening illness.
In 2001, Richard was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - a cancer of the plasma cells, he said. While his cancer is not HIV- or AIDS-related, Richard said he can sympathize with victims of the virus.
"AIDS is an epidemic sweeping the world," he said. "I feel like I understand what these people are going through."
The regional AIDS project, along with local supporters, sponsored "In Remembrance 2007" - an evening of music and poetry-prose selections to honor the lives of individuals with HIV and AIDS, said Isaac Madison, director for the regional AIDS project. The event took place Friday night in Union Station in the K-State Student Union.
Madison said the concert was planned as part of AIDS Awareness Week to help educate K-State students and the Manhattan community about AIDS prevention and the need for treatment and a cure.
"We thought the concert would be a good idea because we wanted to offer a wide variety of activities so there would be something for everybody," he said.
Despite a low turnout, Richard and fellow local guitarist Steve Hinrichs entertained the small crowd with enthusiasm and a variety of music styles ranging from bluegrass to country to classic rock.
The duo kept the show interesting with lighthearted jokes and amusing stories. But they did not fail to acknowledge the real reason for the evening.
"We all know why we're here," said Richard, music teacher at Bergman Elementary School. "We need to raise awareness among our young people about AIDS. We all need to understand that it's out there, and anyone can get it - it doesn't matter who you are."
Richard said his fight with cancer has taught him it is important for him to support those living with AIDS through his music and comedy.
"One thing to remember is to laugh," Richard said as Hinrichs crooned the lyrics to "Forever Young" in the background. "You go through all these emotions, but you just have to remember to laugh. You never know when something like (AIDS) will happen. But we do have a gracious God - I'm still here."
Hinrichs said he also understands the tragic effect AIDS can have on people's lives.
"I've lost several friends to AIDS," said Hinrichs, director of nursing at Big Lakes Developmental Center. "I think kids today are becoming complacent about it. I have two daughters in college, and I worry about them not paying attention to what could happen if they're not careful."
Madison said complacency is a large reason awareness events like this are necessary on college campuses. He also said the regional AIDS project would like to make the evening of concert and poetry a tradition at K-State.
"Next year we will try and get the word out more," he said. "Hopefully there will be more interest and involvement."
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