SAYREVILLE – An annual benefit concert that benefits people who are fighting cancer has raised nearly $22,000 to assist a Sayreville resident and a South Amboy resident.
The fifth annual Jammin for Jaclyn concert took place on April 21 at Knights of Columbus Council 2061, the event’s first year at the venue. In all, 12 bands and musical artists performed – Series of Shocks, John Walsh, Amber Morgan, Patsy Palma, Jake Tavill and the ICBB, the FOG, Rocco and the MOB, the Nick Ryan Band, Taylor Tote Band, Xol Azule Band and Michael Squillance Music.
Nearly $22,000 was raised at the concert, according to organization co-founder Denise Morgan. Donations may be made until mid-May.
According to Morgan, the two beneficiaries this year are Chris Szatkowski of South Amboy and Katya Hernandez of Sayreville.
Szatkowski is battling stage IV colon cancer with metastatic disease and is undergoing chemotherapy. Hernandez is battling stage 2B breast cancer and, having completed chemotherapy, will be starting proton therapy.
Jammin for Jaclyn was founded after Ron and Denise Morgan’s daughter, Jaclyn Squillace, was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer at the age of 26. As their son Michael is a saxophonist and their daughter Amber is a singer, both of whom performed at this year’s event, the Morgans said they decided to organize a benefit concert and subsequently ran a second due to the success of the first.
Squillace is still battling cancer and although she had been in remission for several years, cancer was found again this year and metastasized.
“We want to say thank you to all of our sponsors, eateries, bands, our new venue, anyone who donated and every single person who helped in any way,” Morgan said. “We are only able to help others because of all of the community support we receive. Both families have told us they had a great time and we know this is a direct result of all of the community support we continue to get every year.
“There are a couple of important things we want everyone to remember,” she said. “First and most important of all, listen to your body and if you think something is not right, seek medical attention. If you feel you need a second opinion or even a seventh opinion, get it. You know your body best. Let’s try to be proactive with our health. The Jammin for Jaclyn benefit concert began because our daughter was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer; she was misdiagnosed twice. She was 26 and pregnant [at the time].
“Someone recently mentioned to us that they did not want to join us at the event because they are emotional and did not think they could handle it. We want to assure everyone this is a big party. It is not a sad event at all, [with] live bands, lots of food, dancing and a room full of love. Bring your family, bring your friends and party with us next April.
“Sponsorship for our event is extremely important, more than half of the funds we raise are from sponsors,” Morgan said. “Please reach out to us if you would like to learn more about sponsorship.”
To make a donation, become a sponsor or for general inquiries, call 732-525-9536 or email [email protected]. Checks should be made out to RJC Charities Inc. and mailed to 292 Stevens Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879.