Photo: Drew Moholland/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — One day after a sold out show at TD Garden, Mt. Joy rocked a different stage to give back to those in need.
On Sunday, the band played Big Night Live on Causeway Street, with all proceeds going to Family Reach. The national nonprofit helps people and families battling cancer with everyday expenses.
“That’s something that’s been really beautiful to be a part of, they’re doing great work,” said Matt Quinn, front man of Mt. Joy.
One family that was at the concert, Raquel Rohlfing and her son, Mikalo, know something about the special support that Family Reach provides.
In 2007, Mikalo was diagnosed with cancer at just 18 months old.
“It took a huge financial toll as a single mother,” Rohlfing said.
During Mikalo’s two years of treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital, Rohlfing said she had to stop working and her and her son basically “lived with nothing,” until Family Reach stepped in.
Rohlfing said the organization started helping them within 24 hours, even with basic expenses like the $30 daily parking fee at the hospital.
When Mikalo relapsed and needed more treatment, Rohlfing said Family Reach didn’t hesitate.
“They stuck by our side the entire time,” she said. “They literally became part of our family”
Mikalo, now 20 years old, praised the Mt. Joy’s partnership with the organization.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “I’m happy to be here.”
Quinn also acknowledged the importance of Family Reach’s mission, especially since one of the band’s songs on the new album “Hope We Have Fun” is about a friend who was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors.
“Meeting the community of people going through things like that has hugely inspired us,” Quinn said. “We have a system here in the United States that doesn't go far enough to protect people from a mounting health care cost.”
The singer and Northeastern University alum also said he’s just happy to be in Boston. He said the city’s always been good to the band and called the crowd at the Garden “probably the best” they’ve ever had.
The second show on Sunday was a bit of a late add to the tour, but Quinn said the band jumped on the opportunity.
“We just wanna give back as much as we can,” he said.
WBZ’s Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) reports.