Waltham bands to raise funds for a veteran battling Huntington’s disease

By Butch Black

Lizbeth Granfield is a U.S. veteran living with Huntington’s disease, a fatal condition that causes parts of the brain to degenerate over time. She uses a wheelchair and relies on a handicap-accessible van for medical appointments and other daily needs. But now the van’s transmission is failing. Without the van, it will be difficult for her to continue living at home. 

Granfield’s caregiver, Alan Arena, is organizing a fundraising concert to raise $5,500 to repair the van. The couple are longtime Waltham residents who now live in Dennisport but maintain a connection to the Waltham community. 

Arena grew up in Waltham and long fronted the Watch City band. He is organizing the event with support from fellow musicians. He is calling it the “Hugs for Lizbeth Sweet Sixteen Concert and Transmission Fundraiser” to celebrate the 16 years Granfield has been able to live at home since her diagnosis.

The concert will be held Sunday, April 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Sons of the American Legion Post 440, 295 California St. in Newton. The concert will feature Alan Arena & Volume Control, Waltham guitarist Brad Faucher and Session450, Ed Sheer of Love Dogs, Ilana Katz, Cindy Lou & Friends and Sweet Wednesday with Dave Falk and Lisa Housman.

Tickets and event information are available online, and donations can also be made through a GoFundMe campaign.

Disclaimer. Butch Black is a Waltham-based musician, but he is not directly involved in this fundraiser or Post 440. He is friends with Alan Arena and Al Checchinelli, the entertainment coordinator from Post 440, and knows most of the musicians who are playing.