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. It began with a stretch Hummer arriving at the Ronco residence to find Luke and his three sisters, Alexis, Isabella, and Italia, with noses pressed against their front window in anticipation. In the limo ride on the way to the concert, Luke told his dad John and his mom Nicole that he wanted to sell their house and live in the limo forever! When the Ronco’s arrived at the concert arena, they got ushered in to see Daughtry practice a few songs during sound check. At a special Meet and Greet, Luke met the entire band, took pictures, and even got their autographs on their newest CD (although security said not to ask for autographs, they made a special exception for Luke and even spent a few minutes getting to know the Ronco family). From there, it was onto a delicious Italian dinner at a local restaurant, and then the Ronco’s returned to the arena for an unbelievable concert where Chris Daughtry performed within an arm’s reach from Luke and his family. Luke sang his heart out, knew the words to every song, and when asked what he thought of the day, all he could say was “It was awesome, definitely awesome!” 
On April 8th 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.
Known by his family and friends as someone who is caring, strong, loving, athletic and always giving, his friends wanted to find a way to give back to him. They found the Front Row Foundation. And in the Fall of 2008, Tommy and his wife Becky, their 3 daughters Jodi, Kristi and Lynda and their TEAM of life long friends spent a day with the Front Row Foundation that they will never forget!
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.
