Henderson musician eager to help a mother who needs kidney transplant

By Conor Shine

Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 | 2 a.m.

Over decades spent touring the globe as a professional musician, Henderson resident Annie Meadows always has sought ways to give back to the places she’s visited, whether it’s raising money for a high school’s band equipment or donating concert proceeds to fund an Illinois church’s outreach efforts.

Meadows doesn’t charge admission for her concerts. She relies on donations to fund her musical endeavors.

So when she received a large donation in December to help finish her seventh studio album, “Relentless,” Meadows knew she wanted to pay the gift forward. She just didn’t know how.

“I wanted to do something that would make an impact on somebody’s life,” she said. “Something to cause others to have an awareness of people’s needs around them and not be afraid to reach out and help.”

Meadows found an opportunity to make a difference when she was introduced to Jody Paget, a Henderson resident who is battling kidney failure and needs a transplant.

Paget, a mother of 12 children, nine of whom were adopted, has health insurance and has found a kidney donor, but the medical expenses continue to pile up, said her husband, Bob Paget, a pastor at Remnant Ministries.

The family needs to raise $25,000 to cover expenses insurance doesn’t, and they are halfway to their goal after several years of bake sales and other fundraisers.

On Saturday night, Meadows will host a concert at Lake Las Vegas to mark the U.S. debut of “Relentless,” and $5 from every $15 CD will be donated to help support the Pagets.

“(Jody) is a woman who has laid down her life for her children and her family,” Meadows said. “She still has one child who is 10, and this child needs his mom.”

Bob Paget said the constant trips to the hospital and his wife’s ongoing dialysis have worn on the family, but he described Jody as a “very tough lady” who refuses to give up.

He said the support from the community gives the family hope that Jody Paget will get the transplant and be able to see her young children reach adulthood.

“It’s a blessing that words can’t cover to know people are out there supporting us,” Bob Paget said. “And I don’t just mean monetarily. It’s the prayers, the encouragement we receive.”

Meadows’ three-hour concert kicks off at 7 p.m. by the shores of Lake Las Vegas and is free to the public. It will feature Meadows’ unique blend of Celtic-tinged rock, along with dancers and a nine-piece band that includes a bagpipe player.

“People are going to come out and hear an angel sing,” Bob Paget said of Meadows. “That girl’s got a voice from heaven.”