Juilliard-Bound Musician to Hold Benefit Concert

At just three months old, Barrington resident Stephanie Block, now 18, was diagnosed with a rare disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytis, or LCH. She underwent chemotherapy for 10 months, fighting to stay alive.

Stephanie was one of the lucky ones who fought off the rare autoimmune disease with minimal damage and side effects. Many who fight the same disease are not so lucky.

“The disease can damage many different organs, including bone, liver, spleen, pituitary gland and lung. It is sometimes fatal,” said Stephanie’s parents, Mary Anne and Steve Block in a letter to friends.

With the disease now behind her, Stephanie is trying to raise awareness about LCH and raise money for the Histiocytosis Association through her love of music. A talented violin and viola player, Stephanie decided to put on a fundraising concert with several of the top high school musicians in the area.

“The idea of a fundraising event was developed by my daughter, who has played the violin and viola since age four. Stephanie was a senior at Barrington High School this past year and will be attending college at the Juilliard School in New York City this fall. She wanted to give back to an association that supported her during a very difficult illness when she was an infant,” Steve and Mary Anne Block said.

On Wednesday, June 13 at 7 p.m., the group of young talented musicians will put on a benefit concert at the , 909 East Main Street. Enjoy an evening of beautiful chamber music and help fundraise to find a cure for Histiocytis.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. Please visit histio.org/stringsforhistio to purchase tickets or to make a donation.