Paying it Forward: With a $4,500 donation from a local foundation, local island man can finally live ‘pain-free’
Beach resident and island musician John Lacondrata says he’s lived with pain all his life, but with the help of a recent $4,500 donation from the Pete Renner Foundation, John is seeing a pain-free future ahead of him, as he received the intense back surgery he’s needed since he was a child Thursday.
“A true miracle happened to us the other day,” John said, prior to his scheduled surgery. “I’ve been in need of severe back surgery since I?was a kid, but couldn’t afford the $4,500 co-pay that was required by my insurance company. Tim Renner of the Pete Renner Foundation stopped by to see my wife, Bev, and I, and gave us a check to cover the hospital stay. I actually cried I was so happy.”
The Pete Renner Foundation, run by Tim Renner, Pete’s father, is a group that helps one child every year.
“We also help others in need as well, anyone who needs help, no age limit,” Tim said. “John has helped me with our sound equipment for our fund-raisers for years. Never has he complained, or refused to help. He’s always volunteered his time to help us, which saves our organization $2,500 each benefit, which is that much more that can go to the children. I met with the board of directors and we all agreed helping John was the least we could do.”
Prior to the foundation’s donation, John, who recently started his own sound and lighting company, was planning on selling his equipment to pay for the surgery.
“Tim came up to me and said, ‘John, you’re not selling your equipment.’ I’m expected to be in the hospital for two weeks after surgery (Aug. 18), and in rehabilitation for six months. I’ve put up with pain all my life with no pain killers,” the local drummer said. “Staying away from my drums is going to be hard, but even if it hurts, I can’t stay away from them too long. Music is a beautiful thing. I’m just so blessed. Always pay it forward.”
Tim said the foundation will be hosting a fund-raiser March 11 at the Lani Kai, complete with national up-and-coming bands, new signed bands, lighting, a big stage and more.
“It’s going to be an all-day event to raise funds,” Tim said. “Of the nine children we’ve helped in the nine years the organization has been around, I’m so proud to say eight of them are still alive.”
He reminisced about his son, Pete, having a 0 percent of making it through chemotherapy, and nine years later, he’s still with us. And, Little Emma of Lehigh, another recipient of the local foundation, was told she would not live past the age of five.
“I just attended her eighth birthday,” he said.
Tim urges readers to contact him if you know of a child with a life-threatening illness to help during the benefit.
“Please contact me and I will do what I can to help,” he said.
Tim Renner of the Pete Renner Foundation can be reached at 994-0299 or email Tim@PeteRenner.net.
“I can get this surgery now worry-free, and don’t have to worry about losing my business to pay for the bills,” John said. “It’s a true miracle. It just goes to show you, you should always pay it forward. You’ll always win.”