A charity event for Gilroy resident Courtney Quintana will take
place this weekend. The band Suave will perform, as will a few
members from a group called Malo.
Staff Report
A charity event for Gilroy resident Courtney Quintana will take place this weekend. The band Suave will perform, as will a few members from a group called Malo.
The event will benefit Courtney, 6, who in October contracted a viral infection that turned into a rare disease called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. After the diagnosis, surgeons had to remove the majority of her small intestine.
About two months ago, doctors had to remove all but 11 centimeters of Courtney’s small intestine after a blood clot formed on the organ. About two weeks ago, doctors connected what was left of her small intestine to her large intestine.
Jerry Navarro, the leader of Suave, is the only member of the band from Gilroy. The remaining six come from other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area and Reno, Nev. The band’s set Saturday night will be a combination of flavors including old-school R&B, Latin rock and oldies.
Navarro said he wanted to participate in the benefit because he believes in supporting the community he’s from.
“When you grow up in a small town like this – I’ve been here about 35 years – it’s just something you want to do, something you’re drawn to do,” he said. “It’s kind of like family.”
What: Benefit for Courtney Quintana
When: 7pm to midnight Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Veterans Memorial Building, 74 W. Sixth St. in Gilroy
Cost: $25 per person
Appetizers will be provided.
Info: (408) 644-9590
– Staff Writer Heather Bremner contributed to this report.
