(July 21, 2003 - CRANBERRY TWP, Penn.) Broadway performer
Tom Rocco put on a cabaret show last week, with proceeds going to fund
research that may well prolong his nephew's life.
Fourteen-year-old David Rocco was diagnosed with primary
pulmonary hypertension in August, after he began experiencing shortness
of breath, fainting spells, random chest pains and a loud heart murmur.
While "Matters of the Heart" cabaret was initially
Tom's idea, David's mother Linda (Meinert) Rocco credits the Rocco
and Meinert families for giving it life.
In addition to Tom's performance, actresses Kim
Cea and
Maria Beacoates-Bey also volunteered their services. Refreshments and
volunteers were provided by Accredo Therapeutics, headquartered just
a few miles from David's home, which manufactures
the medicine administered to David intravenously 24 hours a day through
a catheter near
his heart.
With everything donated, the benefit had already raised
over $50,000 between ticket sales and donations the week prior to
the performance.
Those attending the benefit also had the opportunity
to purchase raffle tickets for 24 baskets, each valued
from $200 to $600, and all graciously donated. Also
being raffled off was a chance for some lucky winner to play a round
of golf
with
Pittsburgh Penguin and hockey legend Mario Lemieux, bringing the
proceeds from the benefit to over $70,000.
Not to be left out, David contributed his talents in
designing the program booklet's cover design pictured above. Local
businesses contributed over $3,000 through ad sales alone, making the
program booklet a hefty 18 pages.
When asked about the event, Linda comments, "All I can
say is we have been so blessed and are surrounded by so much love and
support
from
family
and friends.
Without
the
determination and energy from them, none of this could have been possible.
I am so proud to be a part of all of this, and hope and pray that it
makes a difference in David's life, as well as other PH patients."
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More on how you can
make a donation or hold your own fund
raiser in support of PHA.
Family
Affair Reaches Almost 1,000
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