Health Organization to Host Benefit Concert

Courtesy Photo
Wendy Edge (right) and Angela “Oxygen” Edge (left) pose on the set of the Bulldozer Health Show where the hosts discuss medical freedoms, interview medical contemporaries among other health topics. OxygenEdge will be one of the musicians performing Sept. 20 at George’s Majestic Lounge for the Bulldozer Health Benefit Concert, where proceeds will go to those who can’t afford aid.

About two years ago, Wendy Love Edge was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that eats skin and muscle cells, causing her to temporarily live in a wheelchair.

She was soon prescribed 16 different drugs to combat the illness and, in some cases, ease the side effects of some of the rougher drugs she was on. Her life quickly changed to needing constant aid, and frequent expensive trips to the doctor. Her doctors told her she would either die from the illness, or from the drugs. She felt bulldozed by all of it, Edge said.

In Arkansas, if a patient does not pay the health care provider in full for the previous visit, the patient cannot return. This nearly bankrupted her and her wife’s resources and provoked them to move to Massachusetts where different, more accessible health care was available. After moving and going through a divorce with her wife — who left in order to inspire Edge to find independence again — she made a commitment to better herself and wean herself off the bevy of medications she was taking.

In the course of one month, Edge got off seven of her medications. This caused many withdrawal symptoms, which led her to replace her pharmaceuticals with medicinal marijuana for its benefits toward treating inflammation, anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms. Her condition improved, and she was soon gaining more energy and able to exercise. This led to seeking treatment from chiropractors, trying medicinal herb treatment and questioning whether she really needed all those other drugs in the first place.

“The first time I smoked marijuana, I had so much pain,” Edge said. “I was on morphine around the clock, percocet four times a day and I was on anxiety drugs. The first time I smoked it, I felt it just go down my back and it took the pain right away. It was crazy.”

No health care provider covers alternative health care options such as medicinal marijuana, and Edge had to pay for all of her new treatments independently.

That was when the idea for her nonprofit Bulldozer Health began, with the imagery of a bulldozer moving a load of pills away. The organization works to empower others to take control of their own health and increase awareness of alternatives other than the world of pharmaceuticals. This can be costly and unattainable for many, so her organization raises money to benefit those in need who apply for aid.

“It’s really about empowering people with their health,” Edge said. “I want people to know their health is in their hands. Many people don’t realize that because I think we’re trained from a young age that if you don’t feel well you’re going to go to the doctor and they’re going to do something to you. Really, the first step should be more like “How can I create change to improve my health?” and knowing you can do that.”

It’s no secret that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most profitable sectors in the United States. As reported in 2012, Americans spend more than $271 billion on prescription medicines every year. Drug therapy spending amounts to a total of $300 billion, including over-the-counter drug remedies,valued at $31 billion, according to research by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

While Edge is in favor of promoting awareness for alternative health care, she does think pharmaceuticals can play their part, they just shouldn’t be the only option available, she said. She still uses one prescribed drug, she said.

“I’m hoping we’re going to have new national insurance that’s a little better,” Edge said. “I’m glad some people who weren’t uninsured are insured under the Affordable Health Care act, but really that only covers pills, tests and surgery. So I want to be able to talk about how we can go about something that could give people true health.”

This Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5:30 p.m., Sept. 20, Bulldozer Health is organizing a benefit concert at George’s Majestic Lounge where all of the proceeds will go to benefit people seeking to try alternative health care and can’t afford it independently. The event will be for ages 18 and up. There will also be a silent auction during the event with several items donated from local shops, restaurants and services.

The concert will feature Isayah Warford, Ginger Doss, Ariband (who’s coming from Massachusetts), OxygenEdge and Buffalo Hustle. The music will be going on throughout the event in the Garden room. In the front lounge section of George’s there will be several booths set up by local alternative health care providers for attendees to network and learn more about health options locally.

With the money raised — tickets are $10 at the door or at bulldozerhealth.org — Bulldozer Health’s board of directors will review applicants needs and donate money to the corresponding health care provider on behalf of the person in need. In Angie’s List fashion, providers are listed on the organization’s website, as well as reviews.

If in need, potential recipients can send an email to wendy@bulldozerhealth.org explaining what they need. Bulldozer Health’s board of directors will decide on a first come first serve basis with the highest needs addressed first. All decisions of the board of directors are final.