Janet's benefit was a huge success!

Update, as posted to EETicket Conneaut Lake Forum Sunday:

What an amazing experience! I was with Janet at the hospital. Thanks to here sister Jill, a gentleman named Dan and Skype, Janet attended her party, "virtually."

There was a laptop set up front, stage left at Fairway 12 and Janet had a friends MacBook, first by her wheelchair then on the bed table after the staff moved her.

I think of a benefit party as a way to raise money to help out in difficult situations and I hope that part went well. I'm guessing it did, from what I could see there was a very good turnout of friends and family.

I have to tell you, from where I was standing, the real benefit came from the exchange of love that was communicated through those two computers.

It seemed like everyone came to the Fairway 12 computer and wished Janet well, told her they loved her, waved, thumbs up, blew kisses, smiled and laughed through the Skype video phone call. Janet returned the love in the same way. It was touching to witness.

In the early part of the evening the children, Janet's nieces and nephews and probably others, came by the computer to tell her they loved her and that she was the coolest aunt ever. The children came back every twenty minutes or so to repeat the scene.

Their faces would fill the screen as they leaned forward to talk into the computer mic and hear Janet respond back. They are so beautiful and sincere with the pure love only a child can give.

Janet has really good movement in her right leg, the left leg has some movement but needs work. Both her arms are have good movement, she was clapping for the bands and blowing kisses. She's in a neck brace but is able to move her head pretty well.

All the bands sounded good over the laptop speakers. They must have been awesome live! Janet was dancing to the music with her upper body. She loves music and is so thankful to the musicians and their families for coming out and entertaining at her party.

This event was a resounding success. Thank You all for being there for a friend.

Tom

As of May Friday May 7th, Janet is making really great progress in her recovery. She is still in hospital but has been moved to physical therapy. She has a wheelchair now and is happy to be sitting up and getting around a little.

During the benefit event Janet will be connected with laptop computers, web cams and skype. She will not be at Fairway 12 listening to the bands in person but thru the beauty of the Internet she will be at Fairway 12 listening to the bands and perhaps chatting with friends.

From Community New Announcement: Benefit planned for Janet Applegate CONNEAUT LAKE - A benefit will be held for Janet Applegate at the Fairway 12 on May 8. The festivities will unfold between 6 PM and midnight and will include entertainment provided by three bands. Food and a raffle will also be a part of the evening. There will be a $5 cover charge. Applegate suffered severe injuries in a car accident in April.