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Jamie Waldner and his family (Photo: Jamie Waldner Music Festival Fundraiser / Facebook)
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Music festival fundraiser organized for local man suffering from brain tumour

Jul 20, 2021 | 3:29 PM

A music festival fundraiser is being organized for July 24 at the Grovedale Pioneer Museum to help support of a local man and his family as he battles with a brain tumour.

It was just last month Jamie Waldner was driving home when something started not feeling right. He pulled over his vehicle and had begun to suffer a seizure. He was taken to hospital in Grande Prairie and was then airlifted to the University of Alberta hospital in Edmonton for further evaluations, which showed he had a brain tumour.

Since his evaluations, Waldner’s tumour has grown to the point where his whole left side of his body is affected. Because the tumour has grown, he is not a candidate for surgery and he has reached his lifetime quota for radiation and will not be able to receive such a treatment again.

Waldner is currently unable to work or drive and needs care and assistance. He is a father of four children and is a husband.

Wendy Lynn Bredeson is one of the musical acts and organizers of the festival. She tells EverythingGP it was important for her to do something for the family.

“The family is facing major hardship and I had a few connections and wanted to work out this festival. I had no trouble getting artists, I phoned many and they didn’t even hesitate,” said Bredeson.

The show will take place at 1:00 p.m. on July 24, and Bredeson hopes as many people as possible will show up to attend.

“I feel a sense of community is what we need. Admission will be by donation, so there won’t be any gate. There will be signs directing you where to park and there will be a few donation boxes.

She adds there will also be a silent auction with prizes to bid on. All of the donations raised will go towards the family.

“Bring the kids, lawn chairs, there will be a food truck out there, and it’s going to be a great day.”

People can also donate to the family by heading to their GoFundMe page. Up-to-date information can also be found on the festival’s Facebook page.