Jacob's Story:

Jacob Gofoth was born with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy but wasn't diagnosed until age 5.  He was losing use of his muscles and went into a wheelchair at age 7.  His muscles have continued to deteriorate.  Jacob has no use of the muscles used to move his body.  The disease is now affecting his internal muscles including important aspects of his heart and respiratory system.  Jacob had an emergency trachea done in January 2007 and has since been on a ventilator when needed.  The trachea has helped with his respiratory issues.  The cardiologist has maxed out his dosage of heart medications and there is nothing else they can do with it.

Jacob is very susceptible to any colds or viruses.  It always turns to pneumonia which causes more damage to his lungs and heart by putting too much strain on them.  Jacob was given a chest x-ray a few weeks ago when his doctor found that he was eat up with pneumonia.  His heart and lungs were so swollen that it was mashing all of his organs together to where it was hard to distinguish one organ from another.  The doctor advised Jacob's family that he is experiencing heart failure.  The pneumonia is continuing to improve and his vital signs are looking better, but he continues to have issues with his heart rate due to the heart damage.

Jacob is a true fighter and has defeated the odds for many years.  Originally, Doctors doubted that Jacob would live to see 16, but he turned 20 last October.  Jacob's mother says:

"I am blessed with every day I have with him!  I have tried to shelter Jacob from some of this.  He knows his condition and why it is like this, but we have never told him it is terminal.  I like to think that maybe it is me sheltering and protecting my baby, but sometimes I think I am just too chicken to let him know what he is facing.  He is a remarkable kid and loves life.  How does a mother tell him that it could be over at any time?"

Hog Wild Saloon was Jacob's first experience in a bar.  He came to see one of his favorite local artists in Taylor Barker.  Jacob fell in love with the place and repeatedly talked of coming back.  The owners at Hog Wild say:

"I couldn't help but laugh a little that his mother was the first one to take him to a bar.  I love this kid!  He is an amazing person all around!"

The Event:

Taylor Barker is heading up a special benefit for Jacob that will take place at Hog Wild on Sunday, April 28th at 7:00 pm.  All of the proceeds from this event will go to Jacob's family for medical expenses.  You can also donate at any Bank of Tennessee location for the Jacob Goforth care fund.

Local musicians participating in this special event include Taylor Barker, Brad Puckett, Lovely Goodbye, Lead Foot, Southern Sound, J.R. Moore & Gary Bortz.

The event is sponsored by Hog Wild Saloon, Bortz Graphix, Dave Stallard, TriCitiesNights & Little Black Book Boudoir.

Door prizes will be donated by many local business and individuals including Bortz Graphix, Applebee's of Kingsport, Taco Bell on Stone Drive, Texas Roadhouse of Kingsport, LaCaretta, Golden Corral, Snap on Tools of Elizabethton, Little Black Book Boudoir, Rocker Chic Photography, Trendy Twins Shop, Ken's Ink Tattoos, Dan's Professional Plumbing, Interstate Graphics, New Looks Salon, Soleus Massage, Maribeth Droke, Slumber Parties by Phyllis, J. Ellenburg A Salon, F&L Limo & The Peacemakers.  The list continues to grow.

Keep updated on this event by visiting the Facebook event set up at http://www.facebook.com/events/352449088188463/.