Twenty thousand lives could be saved every year in our country: this is the bold challenge taken up by the association 20000 Lives, created on the initiative of Dr. Claude Mariottini, an interventional cardiologist and rhythmologist, and sponsored by actor Gérard Rinaldi. Concert on June 23 at 8:30 PM at the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice
20000 Lives aims to promote the dissemination of defibrillators in France, where they are insufficient in number, sometimes difficult to locate, and too often unavailable in public places. It also seeks to raise awareness among the public about emergency procedures.
In France, sudden cardiac death affects approximately 50,000 people per year.
The speed of intervention is crucial as mortality increases by 10% with each minute lost.
The rate of patients successfully resuscitated is only 3% without available defibrillators and 30% when rescue services have them at hand.
Action is needed, and that is how Claude Mariottini was inspired to use music as a means of raising awareness and funding.
From White Coat to Leather Jacket
It all started in a garage in the countryside around Nice, where the Mariottini brothers, Claude and Jean-Pierre, grew up to the sounds of the Kinks, Rolling Stones, The Police, Rod Stewart, Téléphone, Bruce Springsteen…
After years of study—cardiology for Claude and dental surgery for Jean-Pierre—they were temporarily drawn away from music.
Joined by Pierre, Jean-Pierre’s son, these rockers with heart eventually reunited and swapped their scalpels for guitars.
Following two private concerts, the group adopted the name Low Budget, referencing a 1979 album by the Kinks.
When Passion Rhymes with Good Action
It was naturally fitting for these healthcare professionals to decide, during a concert in Vallauris in 2008, to donate all proceeds for the purchase of defibrillators.
This was a way to link their passion to a good cause, raise awareness of a public health issue, and secure funding.
In 2009 and 2010, three more concerts were organized, drawing over 3,500 people.
Many media outlets, sensitive to the cause, responded to the call.
In 2010, the operation allowed the purchase of 15 defibrillators with concert revenues.
Facing the need for defibrillators, the group, now called The Low Budget Men, decided to expand their efforts beyond the department.
They also recorded two original compositions, “On a Sunny Afternoon” and “I Feel Free,” featuring background vocals by Gérard Rinaldi, patron of the 20000 Lives association.
As with the concerts, proceeds from this CD sale will be donated for the purchase of defibrillators and funding public training programs for emergency procedures.
