Ginny Owens Helps Young Friend Fulfill Her Dream

Ginny Owens has been hard at work, making music with a new special friend.

20-year old Ronell Ragbir may be thousands of miles away from her native Trinidad, but she feels at “home” in Memphis thanks in large part to dozens of local folks who are making a life long dream a reality. Ronell arrived at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in April of 2004 and was diagnosed with osteoscarcoma (cancer of the bone).

After multiple surgeries, a leg amputation, chemotherapy and radiation, the cancer persists and has metastasized throughout her body. Doctors are not optimistic about her prognosis. This grim news has not stopped the burgeoning singer/songwriter or the dozens of Memphis area volunteers who are helping to fulfill what could well be a final wish ­ to perform her original songs in front of a live audience. Ronell’s “A Celebration of Life” concert will be held on Thursday, March 22nd at the Colonial Hills Church in Southaven, MS. and is open free of charge to the public. Popular Rocketown Records recording artist Ginny Owens will open for Ronell and is writing a special song with her that will debut at the concert. Owens says, “I am both humbled and excited to be able to engage with this special young lady. Upon meeting Ronell, I realized she has learned lessons about life, which many of us will never fully grasp. She joyfully celebrates its fullness, bravely embraces its circumstances, and understands its brevity.” Event organizer Tom Bowen, whose son Ben lost a battle with cancer two years ago was one of the first to learn of Ronell’s wish. Bowen says, “When my wife and I learned about Ronell’s dream and that she was in the end stages of cancer, we just started making some calls. It just snowballed. Don Donahue at Rocketown Records coming on board with Ginny Owens was a huge blessing. Now, we just need an audience!” Next month, Bowen and his wife, Jennifer, launch the non-profit Childhood Cancer Network, an organization providing mentors for parents whose children are fighting cancer. Part of the mission of the organization is to provide “wishes” for young people and children when they do not meet the criteria for other “wish” programs or timeliness is a critical issue. Bowen and Owens are hoping to fill all 1600 seats on March 22nd. Owens says, “Those who experience Ronell will be moved by her sheer presence and changed by her unshakable faith. It is her prayer that many will come to celebrate her journey and that many more will celebrate her legacy. Now that I know Ronell, this is my prayer as well.”

(from Rocketown Records)