Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a debilitating disease that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves. According to the fliers distributed at SamJam, despite being a fairly rare disease (fewer than 200,000 U.S. cases per year), NF affects more people than Muscular Dystrophy, Tay-Sachs and Huntington’s disease combined. One in every 2,500 people has some form of NF.
Sam Oswald, the son of Blackburn’s director of marketing and public relations Pete Oswald Sr., is one of the few who suffer from this disease. Sam underwent spinal fusion surgery at four years old and was diagnosed with NF soon after.
As a result, Sam had to undergo surgery for two brain tumors, shunt revisions, bone grafting on both legs, knee surgery, dermal tumor removal and eye surgery in addition to radiation and chemo therapies. Sam is now 32 years old and his father Pete said, “he has a lot he could complain about,” but Sam continues to lead an independent and positive life.
When asked how his son got a music festival in his honor Pete Sr. said, “Two years after he had all of those surgeries, he was still cancer free. Me and my other son, Peter [Jr.], were talking and we wanted to do something for him, honoring Sam … One of Sam’s passions is music of all kinds, but he has a special affinity for progressive bluegrass. We thought we should get a couple bands together and do a small music festival with six bands from noon to midnight.” Pete also decided that the proceeds from the event would go to NF education and research. They chose the organization Neurofibromatosis Midwest, a nonprofit that’s website describes itself as “dedicated to the increasing number of men, women and children challenged by neurofibromatosis.” The organization supports six clinics in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and the eastern half of Missouri.
SamJam was started four years ago, and since then it has only grown more popular, attracting larger bands and sponsors. This year, SamJam featured music from Trout Steak Revival, Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, The Mighty Pines, Ivas John, Tom Irwin & Friends and The Deep Hollow. Pete said, “… all the numbers aren’t in yet, but we expect to generate and donate around $10,000 to NF Midwest.”
Donations are still being accepted at www.crowdrise.com/2017-samjam-unplugged-on-the-prairie2. If you would like to learn more about NF you can visit www.nfmidwest.org or www.ctf.org.