Magic Show to benefit local youth
By DANIEL GRIFFIN
Phoenix Staff Writer

PHOENIXVILLE -- Local magicians hope yo worktheir fundraising magic next Friday when they hold a benefit show for a local boy who suffers from spinal cord trauma.
The show will be held to benefit 12-year-old J.P. Dunne, who remains bedridden after an operation to correctscoliosis (curvature of the spine) late last year. Rods were to be inserted along J.P.'s spine, but his body rejected them, causing him to be placed in a body cast.

His spine also swelled, resulting in temporary paralysis of his lower extremities.

Dunne's routine calls for constant care, requiring his mother, Colleen, to take a leave-of-absence from her teaching position at Holy Family School.

The show will help benefit a fund set up to help cover the family's medical costs. Everything from the printing of the tickets for the show to the magicians' time is being donated.

"Everyone's going all out for this," said family friend Elaine Walton, who is helping organize the show.
Colleen Dunne said the outpouring of support from the community has been incredible.

"These people (John and Jen Cassidy, the magicians involved in the show) were total strangers to us" she said. "For them to do this is for us amazing."

John Cassidy performed for J.P. and a group of his family and friends when he first came home from the hospital.
"When the people who asked hime to come went to pay him, he refused to take it," said Dunne. "They talked with Elaine Walton and made plans for the show. We saw John perform, and he really is very good."

The eight magicians who will perform are...all part of the Delaware Valley chapter of the International Brotherhood of Magician said Jen Cassidy. "They're dedicating their time to this, and that's really wonderful."

The magicians will take the stage at Holy Family School next Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.

"I hope everyone responds and comes out for the show," said Walton. "We need to do everything we can for J.P. and whatever needs to be done for his rehabilitation."

Along with the magic show, a raffle will be held for between 40 and 50 prizes, ranging from signed sports memorabilia to Beanie Babies to hand-crafted quilts.

"It's been a really wonderful effort by the community," said Walton.

Dunne agreed, saying the kindness of total strangers was surprising to her.

"The community has been wonderful towards us and our son." she said. "I just can't thank them all enough."
Unfortunately, J.P. will not be able to attend the show due to the difficulty getting him around.

"That's one of our main goals right now." said Dunne."hopefully, we'll be able to rent a van with wheelchair capabilities with what is raised from the magic show. He may not be able to be there, but all of his family and friends will to show their support."