“Open the door to discovery.             Open the door to hope.                           Open the door to a cure.”	This song is "Open Doors" by The Open Doors Gang To hear more click on the CD > (you may not hear it in Netscape)			Mitch Lechelt
		Deep in the hearts of some very talented Texans, support is growing for an exciting grassroots undertaking called the “Open Doors Project”.   American Airlines Captain  Mitch Lechelt’s dream of creating and selling a professional-quality country music CD with proceeds earmarked for Parkinson’s research is now a reality.  His dream came true because of perseverance, dedication and belief in the power to accomplish his goals.  Exciting grassroots programs are taking root all over the country in  many different forms.  Mitch’s amazing journey is a wonderful example for all of us involved in the  world of Parkinson’s activism.

     Single-handedly at first, then with the help of a growing number of Texas country and western musicians who donated their time and talents, Mitch has made his dream come true. In  the Lone Star State “Open Doors”  is making a splash on radio and television interviews.  CD sales are growing steadily. All proceeds are donated to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association to fund research into a cure.   

 

     Parkinson’s disease closed the door on Mitch’s career as an American Airlines Captain when he was only 37 with a wife and two children to support.  Mitch and his wife April are both natives of Washington State. Their children are Chelsea, 19, and Shayne, 17.  But as happens so often in life when one door closes, another door opened, allowing him to follow his true passion – music.     As a songwriter and musician he wrote the CD’s title song “Open Doors” and brought it to the attention of the ADPA’s Dallas chapter and some very talented Texas artists. The CD contains fifteen tracks donated by established country-western musicians.  The songs revolve around the themes of Faith, Love and Hope. Tommy Alverson, a well-known Texas musician, was instrumental in producing  the CD.  A fellow Parkinson’s sufferer, Jerry Max Lane, sings “Just Another Dream Come True”.

 

      Mitch has worked non-stop to promote “Open Doors” and Parkinson’s research since taking a  disability leave from his career as an AA pilot. Three successful release parties to introduce the CD were held at Graham Central Station in Wichita Falls, at Adair’s Saloon in Dallas and at the Texana Grill in Arlington. Food, fun and entertainment by the “Open Doors” artists made for very high  profile and profitable events. “Open Doors” was featured on a radio show in The Netherlands and  has also been exported to France.  It was well-received in both countries.

 

     Next on his agenda is promoting the CD throughout the United States. Contact him at 817-468-3178 or slowhands@swbell.net if you are hosting a Parkinson’s event or would like to discuss the “Open Doors Project” and how Mitch established his grassroots program. And be sure to visit the web site at www.opendoorscd.org to hear song clips and read interviews with the artists. Learn how one Parkinson’s sufferer turned his dream into reality – truly a grassroots movement at its finest.