CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A local choir teacher at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School is inspiring students through music. But behind the music notes, he's fighting a rare disease that's taken him out of the classroom.
For 16 years, Bryan Long has put his entire heart into inspiring his students.
"I wouldn't be who I am without him or his influence as a teacher,” Riley Byrnes, a former student said.
"He was one of my favorites,” Ben Luliano added.
Both Ben and Riley say Long is one of the few that STILL keeps up with them and their musical career after graduating from middle school.
But not a lot of people know that Long is trying to keep up with his health.
"My organs are deteriorating," Long told NBC Charlotte.
The disease is rare and not evident to the eye.
"I have a hereditary disorder called Fabry Disease,” Long said. “It's an enzyme in my blood. It attacks the body by not being able to get rid of different toxins. It damages the organs and ultimately is death."
In 2011, one of Long's brothers passed away from the very disease. Another brother also has it.
“He just found out his grandson tested positive and he's one years old,” Long said.
Even through all the bad news, Long is fighting. He is still in need of a kidney donor, as are 1 in 40,000 males in the United States.
As this teacher fights, so will the people that love him. On Sunday, students, friends, family, faculty and staff are holding a benefit concert in his honor. Please see details below for additional information if you would like to attend:
Charlotte Catholic High School will host a benefit concert in order to raise funds for Bryan Long. Mr. Long is the Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School chorus teacher, currently on extended leave due to his continuing battle with Fabry’s disease. One side effect of Fabry’s is kidney failure. Mr. Long must have dialysis three times per week for the remainder of his life unless he can receive a new kidney.
The concert, which will be held on Sunday, April 22nd from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium, is an opportunity to raise funds to assist Mr. Long with his medical bills. LifeShare of the Carolinas also will be on hand to offer educational information on organ, eye, and tissue donation.
The musical lineup for the event is a mix of Mr. Long’s former students and local acts, all donating their time and talent to this cause. Performers scheduled include local folk indie singer/songwriter Kyle Forman, acoustic soloist Riley Byrnes, Ben Iuliano, Christina Stevens, and a sing-along featuring Mr. Long’s forever students and the guests in attendance.
For more information: Liz Luke ealuke@charlottecatholic.com or Jenn Cramer jmcramer@charlottecatholic.com