Rock bands unite to raise funds for stricken drummer

By Guy D’Astolfo

The benefit concert will be Friday at Barley’s in downtown Youngstown.

YOUNGSTOWN — Mike Ezzo isn’t going to let his health problems get him down. The once-vibrant veteran drummer on the local rock-music scene has been sidelined as he battles a rare ailment that has left him weak.

Ezzo, 39, of Youngstown, has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, both rare neurological disorders.

But he has mounted a drive to raise awareness of the disorders and is in the process of organizing several events to do just that. He’s partnered with friends in planning a series of fundraisers and has been working to set up a local chapter of the support organizations for these ailments.

Ezzo’s symptoms first appeared about five years ago as dizziness and disorientation. After years of tests and visits to baffled doctors, his ailments were finally identified and a course of medical action was begun.

The disorders caused fluid to build up in Ezzo’s spinal canal and form a cyst at the base of his skull that is pushing into his brain. He has already had one surgery at Cleveland University Hospitals.

Meanwhile, the husband and father was forced to quit his job at DHL Delivery and Logistics, because even slightly strenuous activity could cause him to suffer a stroke. He has been told total paralysis is inevitable within two years.

Ezzo, who sometimes has to walk with a cane on days when his ailments leave him tired, has no insurance since he lost his job. But he remains upbeat and full of hope, and his will to fight is contagious.

To help him raise money for his medical bills, his support network will have a benefit concert Friday at Barley’s, 21 W. Federal St., downtown.

Scheduled to perform are Away from Eden, Johnny Grahovac, 5 Elements and Acoustic Juggernaut. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $5. All ticket-buyers will be entered into a drawing for a large, flat-screen television.

Ezzo was a member of several Mahoning Valley bands, including Freelance, Urbane, Away from Eden and K-Awake. He and his wife, Mandi, have four children.

A second fundraiser will be a golf tournament that will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday at Bedford Trails Golf Course. Prizes will be awarded for the following: hole-in-one ($5,000); poker drive; closest to the pin; and longest drive. Cost is $55 per golfer for 18 holes with cart, food and drinks. For more information, contact Darek Chomczyk at (330) 503-1091 or info@mikeezzo.com.

If you would like to make a financial contribution, go to any Farmers National Bank, where a fund has been established. Donations can also be mailed to the Mike Ezzo Benefit Fund c/o Darek Chomczyk, 4196 Lockwood Blvd, Boardman, OH 44511.

For more information about Ezzo, go to mikeezzo.com.