In honour of the late music producer Bobby “Digital” Dixon, who succumbed to kidney failure, his family has started a foundation to assist those struggling with the disease.

The non-profit organisation, called The Digital-B Foundation, which was established in 2021, was designed to commit to the safety and care for kidney patients. It also advocates for patient rights as it relates to fair treatment, regardless of age, gender, or background.

For the first project, a monetary contribution was made to two dialysis patients Carol Green and Kevin Bernard from the renal unit at Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine, where Dixon had received treatment.

Two of his children, Craig and Trudy-Ann, noted that the contribution was well needed.

“They are suffering from kidney disease and have to attend dialysis treatment twice a week. The lack of proper facilities here in Jamaica needs improvement. My father was in a cohort of 20 individuals, two of whom remain — Bernard and Green. The Digital-B Foundation is a continuation of my father’s legacy of doing small works with a big impact,’ he told the Jamaica Observer.

He added that the funds will help to purchase medication, proper food and transportation to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, Trudy-Ann said, “Giving back comes naturally for me, but I’m blessed that we are able to give to persons who need the assistance. It is something my dad always wanted to do well, so I’m happy we are in a position to make it happen.”

Trudy-Ann offered that it was very challenging watching her father’s health deteriorate. She said, through the foundation, the family hopes to care for as many kidney patients as possible.

“It is a difficult thing to watch the health of someone you love who was so strong over the years deteriorate. Unfortunately, one must live with renal disease and its effects and could very well alter your standard of living,” she said.

Dixon, who died at age 59 in 2020, produced a series of hit songs, including Till I’m Laid to Rest by Buju Banton; Cocoa Tea and Admiral Tibet’s Serious Times, I Can’t Wait by Sanchez, Garnet Silk’s It’s Growing, and Sizzla’s Black Woman and Child.

His Digital B catalogue includes two outstanding albums — Morgan Heritage’s Don’t Haffi Dread and Da Real Thing by Sizzla.

A long-term goal of the foundation is to establish a dialysis centre.