[028]FRIENDS OF MTSU’s REED THOMAS ESTABLISH FUND TO AID FAMILY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2008
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, lrollins@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2919

FRIENDS OF MTSU’s REED THOMAS ESTABLISH FUND TO AID FAMILY
Local Music Professor, Band Director Suffers Stroke While Conducting in Brazil

(MURFREESBORO)—A fund to help provide assistance for Dr. Reed Thomas, director of bands at MTSU, and his family has been established at SunTrust Bank in an effort to defray the substantial medical bills and travel expenses incurred after the local professor became ill while conducting overseas.
Thomas, 46, suffered a stroke July 12 during a visit to Brazil, where was invited to conduct at the Tatui Conservatory. He is scheduled to return to the U.S. on July 31 via a 12-hour flight, if his health continues to improve.
Dr. George Riordan, director of the MTSU School of Music, said Reed was invited to the conservatory in Brazil by Dario Sotelo, who guest conducted the MTSU Wind Ensemble at MTSU last year.
“Unfortunately, while he was in Brazil, Reed suffered severe headache, and later suffered a stroke in the posterior inferior cerebellum artery,” Riordan explained. “ He is expected to make a full recovery, can talk and use all of his limbs, but he is still suffering from double vision and a loss of equilibrium.
Jill Thomas, Reed’s wife, said she is especially grateful for “the exceptional care that Reed received at the Hospital Nossa Senhora de Lourdes in São Paulo” and “very impressed and deeply moved by everyone” she and her husband came in contact with following her husband’s stroke.
“While in Brazil, we have met some of the most wonderful people imaginable,” she said. “They are welcoming, sympathetic, understanding and very generous. There are so many examples and stories to tell, too many to write. We are in awe. Brazilians continue to amaze us with their generosity.”
Although the Thomas family feels blessed by the exceptional care and kindness extended to them during this difficult time, the medical emergency has incurred significant financial challenges for the family, including excessive expenses that are not covered by insurance, Riordan shared.
“One of Dr. Thomas’ colleagues and friends, Dr. Michael Arndt, has set up a dedicated bank account whereby friends, family and students may donate to help defray the considerable costs of emergency flights and other related expenses,” Riordan explained. “Those who would like more information about this fund may contact Dr. Arndt at marndt@mtsu.edu.”
During the unexpected and extended stay in Brazil, the Thomas children—daughters Nicole, Aspen and Autumn—have stayed with family in Minnesota so that mom Jill could be with her husband.
“We are so thankful for all the prayers,” Jill wrote in a July 29 e-mail. “And we look forward to seeing many of (our friends) very soon. … Once we arrive back to the States, we will meet with (Reed’s) doctor and therapists to continue his recovery.”
In addition to serving as director of bands, Reed is a professor in the MTSU music school, where he has taught since 2003. He conducts the MTSU Wind Ensemble and the Chamber Winds, teaches conducting and administers the entire band program, which includes four concert ensembles, the 300-member Band of Blue and the Pep Band.
Under his direction, the university’s band program annually runs significant public service and outreach programs, noted Riordan, who added that Thomas took the MTSU Wind Ensemble on a concert tour of Korea in 2005 and on a summer of 2007 tour of China that “was a life-changing event” for students.
• HOW TO HELP: Check donations for the Thomas family may be mailed to: The Reed Thomas Family, c/o Michael Arndt, 406 Kingwood Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Please make checks payable to Michael Arndt, and indicate "Donations for Dr. Thomas" on the “For” or “Memo” line.



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ATTENTION, MEDIA—To request a jpeg of Dr. Thomas Reed, please e-mail Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at lrollins@mtsu.edu