Old Town Benefit Sunday Will Help Local Family With Medical Bills

Local musicians will gather in Old Town this weekend, in honor of a man who was recently diagnosed with Wagner's Disease.

My friend, Randy Blevins, contacted me this week about a benefit coming up this Sunday in Old Town. The music, food, and silent auction will be presented in order to help the Brown family. Josh Brown was dealing with what he thought was a cold, when he was diagnosed with bronchitis. When the treatment for that didn't help, he went back to the doctor and told he had double pneumonia. From there, things really got scary because the doctors realized the fluid in his lungs was blood. Earlier this month, Josh got word that what he really has is called Anca Vasculitis, or Wagner's disease. While it's not curable, it is treatable. But that treatment includes having the blood removed from his body, cleaned, and returned. Obviously, this is going to be very expensive and Josh isn't going to be able to work while having treatments.

So Randy and friends decided to do something to help. Five bands will perform at the Old Town Elks Club this Sunday, between noon and 5 p.m., including the Rick Carter Band, the Ryan Carter Band, Crossroads, Driven, and Shiny Objects. In addition, there will be a number of cool items up for auction, and food available, while it lasts. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, which means if you can only afford $5, they'll take it, and if you can give more, it will be much appreciated. A cash bar will be available, with no outside beverages allowed.

Businesses or individuals who would like to donate an item to the auction can contact Tammy Harlow through the Facebook event page.

Anyone who can't make it to the fundraiser, but would like to help the Brown family, can send a check or money order to Bernadette Brown, 64 Mill Road, Dedham, ME, 04429.