Blue Moon Big Band to Perform at Benefit Event for Bel Air, Maryland Native Jason Marsheck
– Orchestra’s original guitarist battles Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia at Seattle cancer center –
BALTIMORE, MD – January 24, 2003 – Maryland-based Blue Moon Big Band, a 19-piece swing orchestra that specializes in the timeless music of the American swing era, announced today it will provide entertainment for a benefit dance at the Kingsville Fire Hall in Kingsville, Maryland on Saturday, February 15. Proceeds from the event, which begins at 7:00 PM, will be used to help defray medical costs for the band’s original guitarist, Jason Marsheck, a resident of Bel Air, Maryland. Jason is battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, which has advanced to lymphoid blast crisis. Treatment is being conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington.
”Jason recently received a bone marrow transplant as his only hope for survival,” said Corinne Marsheck, Jason’s wife. “The transplant was essential to Jason’s chances of beating this life-threatening disease, but as a result of the procedure, his immune system has been completely destroyed from total body radiation and chemotherapy. So, it’s an on-going fight to beat this. Jason’s very strong, though, and he knows that his family and friends are supporting him and praying for him every day. It means a lot to us and our daughter Kiersten that our friends back home care enough to put this dance together to help.”
Medical insurance will not cover all of the extraordinary costs of the donor search, pre-transplant testing, and post-transplant medications for Jason. Moreover, travel and relocation expenses are not covered by insurance. To add to the family’s hardship, Jason has not been able to work for the past two years due to his illness. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center estimates that the expenses not covered by insurance will well exceed $50,000, barring any complications.
Additional support for Jason has been coordinated through the National Transplant Association Fund, a non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing direct assistance to patients receiving transplants. The Marsheck family has set up the Jason Daniel Marsheck Fund to collect contributions to help offset the financial burden. Tax-deductible donations may be made payable to the NTAF Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, noting Jason Marsheck in the memo field of the check. Contributions should be sent to NTAF Bone Marrow Transplant Fund, 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230, Newton Square, PA 19073.
Corinne Marsheck added, “The past three years have been emotionally, physically, and financially challenging for us and for our family. The prayer, support, and encouragement provided by family and friends have meant a great deal to us. I know that Jason has truly been touched by the love and kindness that we see every day.”
About the Jason Marsheck Benefit Event
Tickets for the February 15 event at the Kingsville Fire Hall in Kingsville, Maryland may be purchased by calling Ann Dec at 410.877.9035. Ticket price is $25 each. The event begins at 7:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 11:00 PM. Light fare and drinks will be available. Entertainment will be provided by Blue Moon Big Band. Directions to the fire hall may be found on the band’s website, www.bluemoonbigband.com.
About the National Transplant Assistance Fund
NATF is a non-profit tax-exempt organization and can accept check, credit card, or stock contributions via secure online service at www.transplantfund.org or via phone at 800.642.8399. Please be sure to note that the donation is for the Jason Daniel Marsheck Fund. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. NTAF will send an acknowledgment of any contributions of $250.00 or more unless otherwise requested by the contributor. The Fund is administered by the National Transplant Assistance Fund, a 501©3 non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to providing direct assistance to the transplant community, and to promote organ donation awareness. For further information, call 800.642.8399. The Fund is located at 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230, Newton Square, PA 19073.
About Blue Moon Big Band
Formed in May 1998, Blue Moon Big Band is a Maryland-based 19-piece swing orchestra, specializing in the timeless music of the American swing era. Performing for audiences throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Blue Moon Big Band has entertained at large functions for as many as 3,000 and at more intimate settings for as few as several dozen listeners and dancers. The band has also performed at both live and recorded television and radio events. Blue Moon Big Band has worked with some of the area’s top dance instructors, including the reigning American Lindy Hop Champions, and can arrange lessons before the event. The full orchestra, as well as its smaller partner ensemble Li’l Bit of Blue, is available for wedding receptions, corporate and private parties, dances, concerts, and other special events, and can provide anything from jump and jive for clubs or festivals to big band dance music for an elegant party or reception. For pricing and availability information, contact bandleader Rob Leonard at 410.756.2473 or 301.639.0770. For additional information, visit the Blue Moon Big Band website: www.bluemoonbigband.com.
