The lights designed by and operated by Candace Brightman at Grateful Dead shows between 1972 and Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995 were an integral part of the Grateful Dead experience. Sadly, the beloved visual artist is suffering from vision loss caused by Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and her condition is progressing rapidly. A fan and friend of Brightman’s has started a YouCaring fund in hopes of raising funds that will allow Candace to receive treatment that may save her vision.
Brightman’s credits also include the Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years Of The Grateful Dead concerts and running lights for Widespread Panic between 2005 and 2008. Candace lives in Pahoa, Hawaii with her husband Larry Lovett and likes to spend time turning her property into a beautiful sanctuary filled with brightly colored plants, fruit trees and coconut palms.
A friend of the Candace and Larry’s named Carly Wyman lives in their downstairs apartment and has bared full witness to how the legendary LD’s condition has worsened. Here’s more information from the YouCaring page:
What is her diagnosis? Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 60. It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. Every day her vision gets a little worse and currently one eye no longer sees much color. She is currently getting injections in her eyes from their local doctor, however these do not stop the degeneration. So far she has been told by doctors that her AMD cannot be slowed and there is nothing to be done. There is currently no FDA- approved cure for AMD.
Candace and Larry are raising funds to get Candace the best possible treatment for AMD. Dr. Jerry Tennant MD, MD(H), PSc.D. is a doctor at the cutting edge of treating AMD. He is located in Dallas, Texas and is both an MD and a Naturopath, with degrees in both fields. He uses the latest technologies and also nutrition, diet and supplements to help slow the progression of AMD. Dr. Tennant believes that a closer look at published studies and and basic physiology/pathology allows one to offer additional insights in dealing with macular degeneration that many mainstream MD’s don’t consider. His treatments include acupuncture and voltage therapy. Candace and Larry will use the funds raised from this page to pay for the cost of a week of treatment and consultation with Dr. Tennant and for travel expenses.
To donate or to learn more about Candace’s condition and/or the campaign, click here.
