Annual Concert to Benefit Sam Nugent and NY Youth

This weekend, local business  will be celebrating their25th anniversary and at the same time hosting an annual benefit concert to raise funds for those in need - River Edge resident Sam Nugent and Brenna Lowry Hasselmann of Warwick, NY.

Nugent, a 50-year old roofer woke up one morning two-and-a-half years ago with a numbness in his left foot which over a few months had spread up his leg and to his right leg also. After seeing numerous doctors and specialists and going through exhaustive tests; there was still no diagnosis – and without a firm diagnosis his insurance company stopped paying for any treatments.

Without treatment, the deterioration rendered Nugent wheelchair bound with palsy in both his arms. His disorder was finally diagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) which has no known cure. Wheelchair bound with limited use of his arms, Nugent continues to be upbeat and an inspiration to all.

Eleven-year-old Hasselmann, was an active child playing the clarinet and piano and competing in basketball, softball and soccer until an ICU hospital stay in February 2010.

The youngster was diagnosed on December 1, 2010 with an extremely rare vascular disease called Diffuse Pulmomary Lymphangiomatosis. In need of a lung transplant and unable to play sports or music anymore, she spends time studying languages such as Spanish, Italian, Russian and Sign Language.

The benefit will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2pm at the company's offices on Ackerson Street, River Edge.

The theme of this year’s benefit is A Tribute to Watkins Glen. Live music, starting at 3pm will be split between two stages and feature Reflections, The "The Band"  Band, The Peach Project, Notorious Baker Brothers, Particle Theory, and Mike Corbin & the Backyard Band.

The donation is $25 at the door, $20 in advance. There will be food and merchandise for sale; a kid’s crafts area; BYOB, but absolutely no bottles. 

Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 11th at 1 p.m. For more information, call Donna at 201-478-6266 or e-mail doreilly@letitgrow.com.