SamJam-Doin’ It 4NF!

Sam Oswald poses on stage with ClusterPluck, one of the bands that performed at SamJam, Unplugged on the Prairie, September 27

Peter Oswald and his friends and family are putting on an awesome event 4NF on September 27th in central Illinois. It’s an all day music festival called SamJam: Unplugged on the Prairie.

SamJam is about a long journey for a man who wants to give back… and pay ahead. Sam Oswald underwent spinal fusion surgery when he was four years old. Along with the months of recuperation from the surgery and learning to walk again, Sam also learned of the diagnosis that would follow him throughout his life—neurofibromatosis (NF). A funny sounding affliction, but a neurological disorder that strikes 1 in every 2,500 people. While you may not have heard of NF, it affects more people than Muscular Dystrophy, Tay-Sachs and Huntington ’s disease combined.

Since that early age, Sam has had two brain tumors, shunt revisions, bone grafting on both legs, knee surgery, dermal tumor removal, and eye surgery. Most recently, Sam completed two surgeries for a rare tumor in his leg, radiation and chemo therapies, and is left with a lower leg that no longer functions.

Now, at 29 years old, Sam has much he could complain about, but you won’t hear it. Sam continues to lead a very positive life, live independently and is a friend to everyone he meets. The years of treatment and courage would not be apparent to people first meeting Sam.

After all this, Sam thinks it’s time. Time to give back… to thank those that have helped and supported him. He also wants to pay it forward so other patients with NF can get the assistance they need, research can continue and the public can be more aware of this disorder that very well may strike someone you know. One of Sam’s passions is music of all kinds, but he has a special affinity with progressive bluegrass and excellent acoustic music… and that, my friends, was the start of SamJam!

Check out SamJam4NF.com for more info!