The cast of Yucaipa Little Theatre’s “Oliver!” has scheduled an additional benefit performance for Thursday, August 6, 7:30 p.m., with all proceeds going to help Jordan Macias, a 9 year-old Yucaipa resident recently diagnosed with T-Cell Leukemia.
"We heard about the struggle the Macias family has been through as Jordan fights this battle and wanted to do something to help,” said Ken Corona, President of the Yucaipa Little Theatre Board of Directors. “Everyone in the community has rallied around the family and having this special performance is the best way we can contribute.”
Jordan was diagnosed with the disease on May 27, 2009, and spent six weeks in the hospital as doctors worked to reduce a mass that was pressing on his heart, causing a collapsed lung and putting Jordan into cardiac arrest.
He was recently released and is facing three and a half years of intense chemotherapy. His family is staying with relatives while his home is being retrofitted in order to create a safe environment in which to recover. All material for this remodel has been donated by area businesses and the labor has been provided by volunteers.
His mother, Melissa, quit her job to care for Jordan full-time and his father, Shawn, is facing an uncertain future as the troubled economy takes its toll on the auto industry, his line of work for nearly two decades. Tristan, Jordan’s 11 year-old brother, has stayed by his brother’s side since his return home.
“Other fund raising events have been held by local businesses to benefit the family and we’re proud that we can do something to contribute,” said Corona. “Someone in the community remarked that Jordan is a little boy who turned a community into a family. We’re honored to be a member of that family.”
To attend this special performance, please call 909-790-1884 for a reservation as the theatre has limited capacity seating. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior, students, and children. Family tickets are $25, and groups of eight or more may purchase tickets for $6 each.
If you cannot attend the August 6th benefit performance, “Oliver!” is playing at 7:30 p.m. on July 31 and August 1, 7 and 8. Matinee performances are at 3:30 p.m. on July 26, and August 2 and 9. A donation jar will be available for Jordan’s Cause.
Hello Jordan and Family,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Valerie, and like you, I am a bone marrow/blood cancer survivor - on 12-29-09 I was diagnosed with a 'sister cancer' called multiple myeloma. I'm 55 years old, live in Yucaipa, and am also a Christian. Like you, I started my treatment at LLUMC, but am now being treated at City of Hope in Duarte. So I kind of know what you're going through. It's a hassle having to travel so far for treatment, but it's worth it, isn't it? It's sort of lonesome sometimes, but never forget how much your family, friends, community (like me!) and especially God loves you. He will always keep your guardian angel closeby so you'll never truly be alone. I am a retired lab supervisor (24 years at the Loma Linda VA where I supervised the chemistry dept.) and now make and sell jewelry as a hobby and fundraising activity. I sell my things at Head 2 Toe Spa near the Kopper Kettle who I understand are also great "fans" of yours - aren't they wonderful? Anyway, I wanted to donate a few $$$ to your mom and dad to help pay for a tank of gas or some special treat for you and your brother. Please know that things will continue to get better and better and that 2010 will be a year of healing. If your family has any questions about lab tests, I'd be happy to TRY to help. I'm the Inland Empire Multiple Myeloma Support Group leader and that's one of the things I do to help other patients. Well, gotta go for now. You are one special young man! Keep up the good work and keep the faith. Happy New Year with much affection from your new pal, Val!
(I can be reached at valstevenson2005@yahoo.com. God bless you.)