Primary Pulmonary Hypertension News - Menu Musicians volunteer at Rock Block Party benefit By Rex Rutkoski Justin Ryan assures there was no need for arm twisting. "They immediately said 'Put us on. There was no arm twisting, no egos.' There is a kind of band community in the Valley. It is kind of our own little community looking to help someone out if we can," Ryan, an Allegheny Township resident, says. (His full name is Justin Ryan Olbeter.) Such sentiment is appreciated, says Debbie Hedeen of New Kensington who, with husband Mark Hedeen, is spearheading the eight-band benefit Sunday for The Justin Martinez Medical Fund. There also will be children's activities, a Harley Davidson benefit ride and biker showcase, raffles and door prizes. Activities will take place indoors and outdoors. Martinez is a 17-year-old West Deer native. When he was 15, he passed out while playing paintball with friends and was diagnosed with a congenital lung disease known as primary pulmonary hypertension. He likes to hunt, fish and play sports. His condition has suspended most of these activities. Martinez ineeds a double lung transplant. The family needs to raise a substantial amount of money to have Justin's name placed on the organ-recipient list, Debbie Hedeen says. "Justin and his parents, Jerry and Annie, are remarkable people," she adds. "The family does not complain, but rather is looking forward to the day that Justin will have a norma,l healthy life." Providing hope has been one of the traditional roles of music and the arts, Ryan says. "We like to inspire people," he adds. The band includes three brothers: guitarist Ed, drummer Chris and keyboardist Andy Pazul and bassist Brad Kunz. All are from Springdale. "Artists in general, whether they are musicians or painters or poets, thrive on the fact their work means something to somebody, that someone can gain meaning from what they create," Ryan says. "If they can help improve the quality of someone's life, change the way they look at things, change someone's perspective, that's part of their job. What really makes it worthwhile is the concert this weekend is having a direct influence on someone's quality of life." Besides, the Rock Block Party is going to be fun, he says. "I am very confident this will be a really good show. People should definitely check it out. Some of the betters acts around the area will be there," Ryan says. It is a diverse style of music that should appeal to different demographics, he says. Debbie Hedeen: "I cannot praise Further Down and all the bands playing. They are so generous and sweet and so happy to do it. We're trying to make it like an old-fashioned block party. The bands are not in competition. They all are just delighted to share their time and talent with us." Hedeen promises a "great Chinese auction" that will include a dining room table and chairs. "I'm blown away by the generosity of the businesses helping, too. There is a huge group of people volunteering." The afternoon will begin at 1 p.m. with Tuika's Polynesian Island Magic dancers. Hedeen says she is optimistic about the benefit, and would like to see it grow to an annual event to help pediatric-transplant funds. It's about being part of a community and knowing a family is in need, she says. "If any of us had a sick child who needed an operation of this magnitude, and needed to raise this kind of money, we should be able to definitely hope people would be there for us," she says. "We are all in this together. We are all connected and one big human family." If you go Admission: $10, ages 13 to 21; $20, ages 21 and older; free, ages 12 and younger. Prices include soda pop and, for those with valid photo IDs, beer. Food is to be available for purchase at family-friendly prices. Details: 724-339-3911; donations can be mailed to: the Justin Martinez Medical Fund, North Districts Community Credit Union, 5321 Route 8, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Rex Rutkoski can be reached at rrutkoski@tribweb.com or (724) 226-4664. |