Front Row Concerts

On November 5, 2009, ten year old Luke Ronco, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of three, was able to fulfill one of his dreams; he got to meet his favorite singer and band, Daughtry.  The day was full of surprises. 

On April 8^th 2008, Tommy Grace found out that he has ALS (Lou Gehrig’sDisease).   ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Prior to having ALS, Tommy had a pretty active lifestyle--- you could find him water skiing in the summer, racquetball 4 times a week, and getting down and dirty with his 11 grandchildren. 

Ever since enjoying a cheeseburger in paradise on her honeymoon at Margaritaville in Key West, Peg Rosewitski has been a fan of Jimmy Buffett.  For years now, Peg has been bravely battling several life-threatening illnesses.  On June 26, 2007, the Front Row Foundation put Peg, her husband Walt and 4 key supporters in the front row of the Camden, NJ Jimmy Buffett concert.  Peg’s event started with a parrot-laden Jimmy Buffett gift basket and a stretch limousine whisking her party off to Bahama Breeze restaurant for a tropical dining experience  Next stop was the Panera Bread tent at the Buffett tailgate party, where Peg got into the Margaritaville spirit.  Jimmy Buffett put on a tremendous show that night, and Peg and her party enjoyed it from the very front row.  One of Peg’s ailments requires her to regulate her temperature, so she wore a ‘cooler vest’ during the outdoor concert.

On October 12th 2007, four year old Sophie, who is diagnosed with a brain tumor, met her favorite singer Kelly Clarkson. Sophie and her family were in attendance for Kelly’s outstanding performance at the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey…and of course, watched from the front row!   The day began when a 15 passenger stretched limousine picked up Sophie, her parents Lauren and Jeff, her two Aunts and grandparents at their home in Southern New Jersey.   The 45 minute ride to Atlantic City ended at the Rainforest Café where they were sharing dinner with elephants, gorillas and there was even a thunderstorm right in the restaurant!  Following dinner, they experienced a fun filled night at concert where they sung their hearts out!  Finally, the entire family enjoyed a suite at the Borgata Hotel and Casino.  When the night ended, Kelly was huge fan of Sophie….and with that smile, who wouldn’t be? 

Marisa has been fighting a genetic disease- cystic fibrosis (CF) all of her life. As a leader in her community, Marisa is a spokesperson for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Phoenix. Marisa can light up a room with her energy, laughter and sweet personality. She is passionate about life and her relationships. Her genuine love for people and relationships is felt by anyone who she is around. She is loved by everyone. She is a Nanny by day, and according to her dad, “Marisa is that Nanny that EVERYONE would want to have.” Front Row Foundation talked to Selena from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where they learned that Marisa and her family are huge fans of Jimmy Buffett. The last time that Marisa saw Jimmy Buffet in concert was with her younger sister (Wellsley) and their dad, shortly before Wellsley passed away from CF.

 

Melinda is 21-years old and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 8 months. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease which mainly affects the lungs and digestive systems. Melinda spends most of her day doing respiratory treatments to help her breathe properly. She has gastric tube feedings to maintain her weight and takes approximately 25 pills per day to keep lung infections under control. After finding out that Melinda is a HUGE Jimmy Buffett fan, Front Row Foundation and Event Coordinator Alicia Anderer, put Melinda, her mom Nancy and father Ian in the Front Row of the Jimmy Buffet Concert on June 26th 2007.

JR is the kind of guy you fall in love with the minute you begin your conversation with him. He is passionate, fun and lives his life in the front row! When JR’s cousin Mike reached out to our Foundation in the spring of 2007, he informed us that JR was battling cancer and he wanted to create an amazing night for his cousin. It wasn’t long before Neicey Apollo and Tatyana Kalinichenko, two outstanding Front Row Volunteers, went to work creating a night that JR would never forget. They began with a delicious dinner at Spasso’s Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia and of course, a fun filled night with his favorite singer Stevie Nicks!

Glenna is a strong and passionate 24 year old who has been diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. She has undergone many treatments and spent countless hours in and out of hospitals, but on March 30, 2007 she was given the opportunity to put all that behind her for an “Front Row” evening with her friends. It all began when the black stretched limo arrived to pick up Glenna and six of her best friends at 5:45pm. The group was whisked off to enjoy a fabulous meal in the gorgeous city of Boston. Glenna and her friends reminisced about all the great times they had together as they laughed the evening away; Glenna was beaming.