Music City Raises the Volume on Narcolepsy Awareness and Research

Country Music Hall of Fame hosts Wake Up Nashville

Arriving at the Country Music Hall of Fame, shivers ran down my spine. Was I dreaming? I was about to attend Wake Up Nashville - the world's first Songwriter Showcase to spotlight narcolepsy.

Once inside, a few familiar faces reassured me that this was reality. I caught up with leaders of Wake Up Narcolepsy and Narcolepsy Network. Narcolepsy community members had traveled from California, Texas, New York and Massachusetts to take part in this historic night.

Wake Up Narcolepsy Co-Founders: Kevin Cosgrove with Monica and David Gow

Julie Flygare with Narcolepsy Network Executive Director, Eveline Honig

The atrium buzzed with excitement, as guests arrived and musical artists prepared to perform.

Wake Up Nashville's hosts, Tabitha Crawford and Bob Saporiti, kicked off the evening with introductions - speaking passionately of the extreme importance of raising funds for narcolepsy research.

Event Hosts Tabitha Crawford and Bob Saporiti

Mr. Saporiti, a country music industry icon, recalled first hearing about a young boy suffering with narcolepsy. "We've got to do something about this," he said, "Narcolepsy has somehow been missed in the public eye. It's time to change this."

The words "narcolepsy" and "cataplexy" fell effortlessly into the microphone and echoed throughout the large colorfully-lit glass atrium. Goosebumps raised along my arms - I was overjoyed by the respect and passion for narcolepsy in the room.

Country Legend Bobby Wood

Next, talented Nashville stars performed alongside winners and finalists of the "Dream Big" songwriting contest. Wake Up Nashville's muscians included Bobby Wood, Dave Gibson and Daisy Dern, The Mulch Brothers, Nolan Neal, Jan Petter & Colleen McFarland, Craig Monday, Mark Wayne Glasmire, and Tyler Hayes.

 Nashville's talented Dave Gibson & Daisy Dern

 I was very impressed and inspired by the Songwriting Contest Winner and Finalists. Winner Lauren Ashley from Georgia held the room captive with her beautiful and powerful vocals. I especially enjoyed Born Sisters from Pennsylvania, Mike Jones from Kentucky and Lala Deaton from Tennessee. In addition, great performances came from Waterfall Wash (TN), and Cameron Bedelli. Congratulations to these talented musical artists!

Songwriting Contest Winner Lauren Ashley 

Another highlight was hearing two fellow people with narcolepsy, Katy and Robby, speak to the audience a bit about their experiences with narcolepsy.

Julie Flygare with MTV True Life Narcolepsy's Robby and Katy

They are two lovely inspiring people. I'm especially impressed by their kayaking adventures! I look forward to watching them on MTV's True Life Narcolepsy - airing Saturday November, 5th at 10pm.

Wake Up Nashville lights up Country Music Hall of Fame

The evening also featured a popular silent auction and delicious food and drinks. Over 180 people attended the event, raising nearly $40,000. Every penny will fund cutting-edge research towards finding a cure for narcolepsy.

Wake Up Nashville was a surreal experience - somewhere between a dream and reality. Throughout the night, I kept smiling and placing my hand over my heart - trying to capture the memories forever.

REM Runner Julie Flygare attends Wake Up Nashville

"Do you always smile so much?" a fellow attendee asked me at the end of the night.

I paused, unsure how to express what this night had meant to me. Speechless, I just kept smiling.

Julie Flygare with Wake Up Narcolepsy Co-Founders' Monica and David Gow and Event Host, Tabitha Crawford

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A big thank you to primary sponsors: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, St. Thomas Health, Savannah Music Group, Fussell Graphics and Wake Up Narcolepsy.  


Learn more and get involved: Follow Wake Up Nashville on Facebook!