Buddies II Benefit Show

On May 19th Buddies II in Cedar Springs will present a benefit show honoring Heather Steinhoff.

The 10:00 p.m. event in the Oak Lawn community of Dallas, TX, will raise funds for Steinhoff's medical expenses. Steinhoff was diagnosed with DLE and SLE Lupus in April 2005 and since fighting the disability for two years she and her mom Cindy are faced with no insurance and no more money for treatment.

"They have located three doctors who can treat the type Heather is facing and she needs medical assistance now," said Dawn Jackson, owner of Buddies II. "Heather has been part of the Buddies family since birth. She was full of life and always outgoing. She lived on the dance floor and mostly enjoyed life outside. Heather often says, 'I have Lupus but it doesn't have me.' Things we take for granted are so hard for her to do now."

Jackson said that over the years Cindy has supported many benefits at Buddies II and was a show director for Sandy Myers, the late co-owner of Buddies II, and Jackson. Jackson said Cindy never thought for one minute that she would be asking for Buddies II's help.

Buddies II, a lesbian bar, has served the gay community for 25 years. The facility has swimming, an arcade, dancing, shows, and private parties. Buddies II was voted "Best Patio," "Best Public Pool," and "Best Female Stripper Joint" by the Dallas Voice.

A dart tournament is held every Tuesday at 8 p.m. and on Wednesdays there is free pool table play all day and night. There is a big screen on the dance floor and a new deejay is in the picture.

On Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. there is free food and 3-8 p.m. there is a live deejay on the deck where you can hang out poolside.

Buddies is located at 4025 Maple Avenue and the phone number is 214-526-0887.

Lupus is one of America's least recognized major illnesses, according to research. The disease is an autoimmune one that can affect virtually any organ of the body. Because its symptoms come and go and can mimic other illnesses, Lupus is difficult to diagnose. DLE mainly affects the skin. It is highly individualized, hard to live with, and sometimes fatal.

Ninety percent of lupus victims are women between the ages of 15-44.