FIGHT AGAINST MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
‘My heart and passion is to inspire others with music’
KYLE — From singing hymns in church as a kid to wearing sparkles from her hat to cowboy boots for performances, well-rounded musician Janie Balderas continues to make her mark in the Texas music scene.
“I just started off in church doing the hymnals. I would see the choir, and it was really inspiring to see them in church so energetic. I loved it and music was so comforting to me even when I was a young girl,” the country singer/songwriter said.
The Austin native, who has called Kyle her home for at least 10 years now, has been nominated for the Josie Music Awards four times for accolades including Country Music Rising Star, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year and Songwriter Achievement. She has also performed the national anthem at Texas Rangers baseball games, NASCAR, PBR, Rodeo Austin and other concerts and events.
Balderas was invited to perform at the Band Against MS Gala alongside Clay Walker and Billy Dawson on April 27 in Houston. Walker was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS in 1996 and established Band Against MS in 2003 because he wanted to help others living with the same disease.
“When I was asked back in January [to perform], it was one of those moments where you are just like quiet and ‘I can’t believe this is happening,’” Balderas said. “I have that philanthropy part of me that I love to give back, especially in music. I was excited about it, but also honored at the same time [to do it] for a cause … This is an awareness for a lot of people.”
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The exact cause of MS is unknown. The resulting damage to myelin, the protective layer insulating wire-like nerve fibers, disrupts signals to and from the brain. This interruption of communication signals causes unpredictable symptoms such as numbness, tingling, mood changes, memory problems, pain, fatigue, blindness and/or paralysis.
There is no cure for MS. However, there are treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, as well as delay long-term disability progression.
While she does not know anybody personally who has MS, Balderas said her heart goes out to them.
“My mom did not have MS, she had pancreatic cancer and she passed away a couple of years ago. I just feel like people who are dealing with anything in life, my heart goes out because I see the struggle and I see firsthand what they go through,” Balderas said. “I am very blessed and grateful to be a part of a cause like that. Who knows, down the line, I may meet someone with MS.”
There are millions of songs in the world to choose from when scrolling through a playlist. For Balderas, she goes back to her roots in the church when she needs an inspiring song. She loves “You Say” by Lauren Daigle.
“Every single lyric speaks to me in this song,” Balderas said. “This is my story in a nutshell. She is also one of my inspirations in the gospel industry [as] I was a former worship leader. My heart and passion is to inspire others with music.”
For young kids who want to pursue their dream, Balderas encourages them to go for it.
“Chase that dream. I know it’s going to be hard, there are going to be struggles [and] disappointments,” she said. “It’s not all roses, and I’ve learned that, but if someone has a dream and they have a passion for it, just pursue it. Light up that passion and do it … There are going to be those moments where you are going to realize this is why I’m doing what I do.”
Balderas’ music can be found by searching Janie Balderas on Spotify.
More information about the Band Against MS and Clay Walker’s story can be found at www.bandagainstms.com.
