By Gretchen Sauerman
Staff writer
Next month, local musicians will join together for a daylong extravaganza to raise money to help one of their own.
"The music community comes together at times like these," said musician Steve Perry.
Sheryl Paige Olguin, a well known musician and community leader, recently discovered she had non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Her symptoms started two months ago with a moderate back pain, said her husband, Leon. Instead of getting better, the pain spread to her abdomen.
By the end of June, the pain was so severe, she was admitted to Wuesthoff Medical Center's emergency room, he said.
The diagnosis: stage 3 non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer with a 65-85 percent survival rate when treated with chemotherapy.
Because the Olguins are self-employed as the owners of Solo Creative Media, their high-deductible insurance policy will likely not cover much of the medical expenses, said Jerry Olguin, Leon's cousin.
When local musicians heard about Ms. Olguin's plight, they stepped forward to help.
The first fundraiser will be an all-day music fest at The Gathering, 6 Rosa L. Jones Drive, Cocoa Village.
The event starts at noon and ends at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Sharon Osuna, a musician and one of the event's organizers.
Two stages, one inside, one outside, will feature local bands and solo artists, including Chain Reaction, Acoustic Alliance, One Street Over, Sybil Gage and Austin Church.
Throughout the day, "laughter therapist" Pegatha McKeon will lead the audience through 5-minute laughter exercises.
Chef Peter Wells, of Cocoa's And All That Jazz Café, will have tasty treats available for a small price.
Additional funds will be raised through raffles, 50/50 contests and silent auctions, said Ms. Osuna.
Event organizers say some space on the agenda is still available for performers, and donations for the raffles and silent auction are always welcome.
"Anyone remotely familiar with a fight against cancer knows that a positive mental attitude and an uplifted spirit are two key elements of successful treatment," said Jerry Olguin, who is heading up another unique fundraiser.
Jerry bought 100 copies of Sheryl's most recent CD, "Selling Out the Moon," and is preparing packets with the CD, stationery and information about her disease.
Team leaders will send the packets to friends, family and community members, and ask them to listen to Sheryl's CD as they use the stationery to write her a letter of encouragement.
The letter, along with a $20 donation, is sent to Sheryl, and the CD and blank stationery is sent to the next person on the list.
Because of her treatment routine, Sheryl has been unable to work, and her husband Leon has lost a lot of work time as well while caring for her, said Jerry Olguin.
Rosalind Lanthorne, managing director of the local eWomenNetwork, applauded the Olguins for "giving their time and talent to many spiritual communities and churches."
Ms. Olguin led the Central Florida Mamapalooza and was named this year's Woman of the Year by the local chapter of the American Business Women's Association.
"She is a wonderful, kind and loving woman and she needs all of our help and support," said fellow ABWA member Barbara Brad, who recorded her first CD with the help of Olguin's company.
Ms. Olguin promised to attend the benefit, if her health permits.
"I am completely overwhelmed by the love and support people have been offering," she said. "I'm using this time to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually."
For information on the concert, or to make a contribution, e-mail Sharon.osuna@yahoo.com.
To become a team leader to distribute Sheryl's CD, e-mail jerryjoa@yahoo.com.