On December 2, 2006, a special benefit Pow wow to benefit child with birth defects on Dec 2 was held to support five-year-old Michael D. Bohay, Jr., in his fight against a rare and challenging medical condition. The event, a vibrant celebration of Native American culture, took place at the First United Methodist Church, located at 507 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, California. The community rallied together, weaving together tradition, compassion, and hope to raise funds for Michael’s critical medical expenses.
Michael Bohay, at such a young age, faced a formidable battle. He was diagnosed with multiple tumors affecting his tongue, the floor of his mouth, chin, and throat. The severity of his condition necessitated six surgeries, leaving him with a significant portion of his tongue removed. This drastic measure, while life-saving, presented ongoing challenges for Michael in terms of speech, eating, and overall quality of life.
The Bohay family, tirelessly searching for the best possible care for their son, found a glimmer of hope in Colorado. Dr. Yates, a specialist renowned in his field, reviewed Michael’s case and expressed confidence in his ability to help. Dr. Yates proposed an alternative, less invasive procedure aimed at saving what remained of Michael’s tongue and ultimately improving his prognosis. However, a significant hurdle stood in the way: because Dr. Yates practiced out of state, Michael’s medical insurance would not cover the cost of the specialized treatment.
Faced with this daunting financial obstacle, the community stepped forward, organizing the Pow wow to benefit child with birth defects on Dec 2 as a way to bridge the gap and provide Michael with the opportunity to receive the crucial care he needed.
A Pow wow is more than just a gathering; it’s a vibrant expression of Native American culture, a social and spiritual event that brings people together to celebrate heritage, honor traditions, and foster a sense of community. It is an intertribal event, meaning that people from different Native American tribes and nations are welcome and encouraged to participate.
The Long Beach benefit Pow wow was meticulously planned, with key figures leading the event and ensuring its smooth execution. Darrin Ahhaitty and Ben Hale served as the Masters of Ceremony (M.C.’s), guiding the attendees through the day’s events with humor, respect, and a deep understanding of the traditions being honored. Mitchell Murdock, a highly respected singer, led the musical aspects of the Pow wow, providing the rhythmic heartbeat that propelled the dances and ceremonies. Randy Edmonds was honored as the Head Man, representing strength and leadership, while Sandra Hale served as the Head Lady, embodying grace and wisdom. Kevin Hale took on the role of Arena Director (A.D.), responsible for the overall organization and flow of activities within the dance arena. The renowned drum group, Green River, provided the powerful and evocative music that is central to the Pow wow experience. The Golden State Gourd Society served as the host, bringing their expertise and dedication to ensuring the event’s success.
The schedule of events was carefully structured to offer a diverse and engaging experience for all attendees. The Pow wow commenced at 1:00 pm with Gourd Dancing. Gourd Dancing, deeply rooted in Kiowa warrior societies, is a social dance where participants use gourds filled with pebbles as rattles, creating a rhythmic accompaniment to the songs. Dancers move in a circular pattern, often wearing distinctive gourd dance regalia, expressing respect and gratitude. The dances, though often performed in a circle, are not limited to any gender or age. It’s a dance for families and friends to gather and celebrate.
A dinner break was scheduled for 5:00 pm, allowing attendees to replenish their energy and enjoy fellowship. This break provided an opportunity for people to connect, share stories, and build a stronger sense of community. Often, Pow wows feature food vendors selling traditional Native American cuisine and other refreshments.
The evening culminated with a War Dance at 7:00 pm. War Dances are powerful and energetic performances that showcase the strength, agility, and warrior spirit of Native American dancers. These dances often feature intricate footwork, vibrant regalia, and dramatic movements that tell stories of bravery, resilience, and cultural pride. While traditionally associated with warfare, modern War Dances are often performed to honor veterans, celebrate cultural heritage, and promote peace.
Throughout the event, a sense of reverence and respect permeated the atmosphere. The organizers took great care to ensure that the Pow wow was conducted in a manner that honored Native American traditions and values. The event was open to the public, welcoming people of all backgrounds to come together and support Michael Bohay’s cause.
While the Pow wow was a celebration of life and culture, the underlying purpose remained focused on supporting Michael and his family. Proceeds and donations collected during the event were deposited into a dedicated medical expense fund established for Michael at The Credit Union of Southern California, located at 8028 Greenleaf Ave. in Whittier, CA 90602, and at any Bank of America branch. This ensured that all funds raised would directly benefit Michael’s medical care.
For those who were unable to attend the Pow wow to benefit child with birth defects on Dec 2 but still wished to contribute, donations could be made directly to the fund. Checks were to be made payable to "Michael Bohay" and sent to the Credit Union of Southern California address.
The organizers made it clear that they were not responsible for any thefts, accidents, or injuries that might occur during the event. This disclaimer served as a reminder to attendees to be mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.
Cynthia Ann Knifechief, Michael’s mother, served as the primary point of contact for the event. She could be reached by phone at 562-908-7612 or by email at hillbillyredskin@aol.com. She was available to answer questions, provide updates on Michael’s condition, and accept donations.
The Pow wow to benefit child with birth defects on Dec 2 was a testament to the power of community, the strength of Native American traditions, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future for Michael D. Bohay, Jr. It served as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, compassion and collective action can make a profound difference in the lives of others. It was a truly memorable event, exemplifying the spirit of giving and the importance of coming together to support those in need. The event showcased the deep sense of community and the commitment to helping one of their own.