RUTHERFORD EAST When the Jonas Brothers welcomed 16-year-old Gabby Brehm of Toms River backstage at MetLife Stadium, they made the start of their hometown tour something that one New Jersey youngster would never forget.
Before the Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour’s opening night, Brehm, a former patient and current ambassador for Children’s Specialized Hospital, had a chance to meet her heroes. Brehm was paralyzed on her left side after a severe brain bleed at the age of 13. She spent five weeks at Children’s Specialized Hospital in intense therapy after surgery, which let her restore her mobility and start over.
Without Children’s Specialized, I don’t know where I would be now, Brehm remarked. They restored my life and provided me with numerous possibilities, including this one, that I would not have otherwise had. Meeting them last night is something I will always remember.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, such as Children’s Specialized, which offers complete care for children with complicated medical illnesses like diabetes, have long been supported by the Jonas Brothers. As a teenager, Nick Jonas received a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis.
According to Alissa Memoli, president and chief development officer at Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, “miracle moments like the one the Jonas Brothers created for Gabby are absolutely priceless.” Support from well-known local heroes serves as a constant reminder to our patients that they have the support of their community.
The Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation organized the meet-and-greet and supplied the CSH Loves Jonas hats that the three wore in pictures with Gabby. To learn more about helping kids with special health needs, go to www.give2csh.org.
