Digital-B Foundation gives big impact
Family of late producer helps care of renal patients
Trudy-Ann Dixon Smith gifts kidney patient Kevin Bernard last week.

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.

Trudy-Ann Dixon Smith gifts kidney patient Carol Green last week.

"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.

BY BRITTNY HUTCHINSON Observer reporter hutchinsonb@jamaicaobserver.com

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at https://bit.ly/epaper-login

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy