Friends Plan Benefit Concert For Lititz Family

When 28-year-old Brock Haller of Lititz, husband of Lexi and father of three young children, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the fall of 2021, the outlook was uncertain. Following a delicate and complicated surgery two weeks after his diagnosis, Brock was left with a number of life-threatening side effects.

Bonnie Martin is Lexi's aunt, but more than that, she and her husband, Dave, fully understand life-altering medical challenges. "My husband is a quadriplegic," said Bonnie, explaining that Dave was injured in an auto accident in 1985 that damaged his spinal cord. At the age of 22, he became paralyzed from the shoulders down.

"When this happened to Brock, we had an extra level of compassion," explained Bonnie. "It was actually Dave's idea to do (hold a) concert. He wanted to give people with big hearts a fun way to show love and support to Brock and Lexi."

A benefit concert for the Hallers, billed as "A Night Filled With Worship and Rock Hits," will be held at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church (LEFC), 419 Pierson Road, Lititz, on Saturday, April 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by local garage band Audio AlgoRhythm, and light snacks will be served. It is free to attend the concert, but registration is necessary. Those wishing to attend are asked to text 717-381-8655 to let organizers know. There will be opportunities to donate to a fund for the Hallers at the event.

Bonnie explained that Brock's tumor is a rare and aggressive type called craniopharyngioma. Brock was diagnosed after experiencing symptoms that mimicked depression. A specialist ordered an MRI, and the tumor was found near Brock's pituitary gland, which affected his hormones. Because the tumor could not be drained, removal of most of the pituitary gland was necessary. Side effects of the tumor include short-term memory loss, diabetes insipidus, and disorientation. "(Brock) is unable to retain any new memory for longer than eight minutes," Bonnie reported. "He is unable to work, drive, or help care for their three small children." Because Brock's case was labeled a medical mystery, a surgeon at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where the operation was performed, recommended undergoing experimental treatment in California in early March.

Audio AlgoRhythm is made up of the Martins' son, Tucker, and his friend Justin Pennypacker on guitar; Justin's father, Blaine, on bass; and Justin's brother, Ben, on drums. "We are good friends with the Pennypackers," said Bonnie, who explained that the group has gotten together to jam for friends. When Dave suggested the benefit concert for the Hallers, whom the Pennypackers have never met, the Pennypacker family was all in.

In addition to funds for medical expenses, Bonnie and Dave want to offer the Hallers hope. "Lexi and I are both caregivers for our husbands," said Bonnie. "She is in the middle of raising their young children, and I remember what (that) was like. It's a handful." Bonnie went on to explain that her family has built a successful and happy life in spite of the challenges. "We have found God to be faithful and to supply our needs," she said. "Even though we recognize that right now it is unbelievably difficult and overwhelming (for the Hallers), we want to help them get to the other side of that," Bonnie said.