Dancing for Duchenne: 3 area bands to perform benefit for Saxtons River family

Thirteen-year-old Austin and 10-year-old Max Laclaire play together with their Ben 10 action figures in Saxtons River. (Josh Stilts/Reformer file photo)

BRATTLEBORO -- Laurie Webb wanted to put on a benefit for her grandsons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. And, fortunately, she knows plenty of musicians.

Webb was able to recruit three area bands -- Wyld Nightz, Pretty Daddy and Otis and the Elevators -- to perform at an event scheduled for Saturday at the American Legion. "Dancing for Duchenne" is set to begin at 7 p.m. and raise money for a trio of charities dedicated to helping those affected by DMD.

Webb's daughter, Jenn McNary, has six children, two of whom suffer from Duchenne, an ultimately fatal degenerative muscle disease that affects roughly 20,000 children in the United States. Both Austin and Max Leclaire use the support of their family to live independent and productive lives, though their rare condition makes it a challenge. Max, 11, was eligible for a medical trial of Eteplirsen, a drug that greatly improved his quality of life. But Austin, 14, did not qualify and his condition has gotten progressively worse without the treatment. Max is able to walk while his older brother gets around in a wheelchair.

There is a suggested donation of $20 per person for Saturday's event and McNary said her entire family is attending in addition to former classmates of hers and her mother and some of her sons' friends. It is a child-friendly event.

McNary said it is touching to know so many people are willing to help one family.

"It feels really great. We've never asked

McNary also said the musical acts lined up prove cash isn't the only way to provide support for a cause you believe in. She said everyone has talents or abilities that can help others.

"You don't have to have a lot of money to do something that could support our event," she said.

Jeff Brewer, who plays guitar and banjo for Wyld Nightz, said he was first approached by Webb, who asked him to assist in a fundraiser for her grandsons. He said they used to work in the same building together. Brewer said he was on board right away and quickly asked his bandmates, who were happy to contribute.

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Dancing for Duchenne: 3 area bands to perform benefit for Saxtons River family