Friends, fans rally to help drummer's ill daughter

As the drummer for Atlanta’s country-fried rock band Blackberry Smoke, Brit Turner has played many benefits over the years. As a father, he never imagined that the tables would be turned.

In December of last year, Turner’s only child, Lana, was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue. The 3-and-a-half-year-old had been complaining of leg pain, which was first treated as a sprain; a second trip to the doctor, however, revealed the horrible truth.

Smyrna native Turner and his older brother Richard had been playing music together for many years and formed Blackberry Smoke with lead singer Charlie Starr in 2003. Relentless touring and a grass-roots fan base have helped establish the band as a premier Southern rock act.

“I was on the road in Spain when my wife, Shannon, called and said Lana was in pain again,” Turner recalled, his voice cracking. “I insisted she get a blood test this time. That led to X-rays, and they found tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body. I was devastated and couldn’t even hold my drumsticks.”

Turner immediately returned home, and Lana began aggressive treatment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Though the family has medical insurance, not all their costs will be covered. That is when the Georgia music community, friends and fans stepped in. Not only was Lana flooded with cards and gifts from around the world, benefit concerts helped offset the family’s out-of-pocket expenses. The Black Crowes, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Lynyrd Skynyrd, legendary guitarist Slash and many other local musicians have lent their support through concerts, memorabilia for auction and cash. Friends also set up the Lana Turner Cancer Fund and a Facebook prayer page.

Steve Gorman, drummer for the Black Crowes, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was not surprised when so many peers offered assistance. Gorman donated three drumheads that were auctioned off earlier this year.

“Brit is the guy who steps up to the plate for others, and that has endeared him to a lot of people,” said Gorman. “I consider him a friend first and a fellow musician second.”

Close to $50,000 has been raised so far.

This Sunday offers another chance to help Lana. The Ride for a Cure is a pair of charity rides beginning at the Harley-Davidson of Cartersville and Mia’s Bar in Hiram, with both ending at Fat Cats in Austell, where a concert will be held. All proceeds will benefit the Lana Turner Cancer Fund, and donations also can be made directly to the fund at any Wachovia branch.

Turner is extremely humbled by the efforts of both friends and fans.

“At first, it was a little hard to accept people’s help,” said Turner. “You know, I’m a man; I should be taking care of my family. Now I can't stress enough about how lucky I am to have such an amazing family and group of friends. My wife is the best mother my daughter could ever have.”

Drivin’ N’ Cryin’s bass player Tim Nielsen has known Turner for almost two decades. When he received the call about a benefit concert, pledging his support was a no-brainer. That concert, held in February, raised nearly $10,000.

“I have three kids of my own, so I can’t imagine what they’re going through,” Nielsen said. “My wife, Kim, and I will continue to pray for Lana and for strength for Brit and Shannon.”

Dr. Billy Peterson, the pediatric hematology and oncology fellow at Scottish Rite currently treating Lana, said it is this type of unwavering support that the family needs right now. He added that he has never seen such an outpouring of support for one patient.

“From Day One, the Turners have been surrounded by friends and family, and that is not only important for Lana’s recovery, but for Brit and Shannon as well,” he said. Her treatments are far from over as she begins back-to-back bone marrow transplants followed by another blast of chemotherapy.

Peterson added that Lana’s positive attitude is infectious and helps the other patients and the staff.

“Lana dances around the halls and is always smiling,” he told the AJC. “Members of the hospital are always excited when they hear that she is coming in. Everyone wants to be around her.”

Rides, concert

"Lil" Lana's Ride for a Cure. Rides, 1:30 p.m. Sunday (from Harley-Davidson of Cartersville), 2 p.m. Sunday (from Mia's Bar). Concert at Fat Cats, 3:30 p.m. Sunday. $30 includes shirt, admission to concert. Concert tickets, $7 or 2 for $10. Harley-Davidson of Cartersville, 2281 U.S. 411 N., Cartersville. 678-721-0203, www.hdcartersville.com. Mia's Bar, 4215 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram. 770-439-0292, www.miascafewingmax.com. Fat Cats, 2523 Veterans Memorial Highway, Austell. 770-745-9944, www.fatcatsaustell.com/Events.html.