Hamptons Benefit To Support East Hampton Native With Two Life-Threatening Blood Disorders

The East End community will come together on Friday, March 9, to show its continued support for East Hampton native, Jessica Greene. The benefit at the American Legion Post in Amagansett will raise funds for Greene’s upcoming treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering for aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria–both life-threatening blood disorders.

First diagnosed in August 2017, Greene received confirmation late last month that her doctors and transplant team had found a perfect match from a group of five potential donors. She was originally set to be admitted this Friday, the same day as the benefit, for the chemotherapy, radiation, and immunosuppressive therapy treatments that are required prior to receiving the bone marrow transplant.

Recently, though, her admission date was rescheduled to March 21 so that the confirmed donor can undergo further testing. This delay came as a disappointment to Greene, who is very eager to start her treatment.

Despite this small setback, community support has been outstanding thus far. Since January, the YouCaring fundraising page created by her family and friends has raised over $108,000 by nearly 600 donors. There does not appear to be any signs of support waning, as over 100 people ticked the ‘going’ box on the event’s Facebook page.

The benefit is from 6 to 10 p.m. at the American Legion Post 419. The suggested donation at the door is $20, with all proceeds going towards Jessica’s treatment. There will be food donated by Hamptons Foodie, a cash bar (which will support the American Legion), and casino tables with black jack, craps, and poker. Helen McGuire of the Diva’s Karaoke is donating her services so that attendees can partake in some karaoke fun.

Additionally, there will be a silent auction and a Chinese auction with items donated from business and individuals in the community. The list of items for the Chinese auction includes gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, a $500 gift certificate for tickets to Stephen Talkhouse shows, and framed prints/photos. The silent auction includes courtside tickets to a Brooklyn Nets game, a week-long vacation to Scottsdale, Arizona, and a gift basket from Turpan worth $1,000.

“We’re all looking forward to having the treatment start,” says Lisa Larsen, Jessica’s aunt. “We’re so thankful to everyone who has donated and that people are still donating. It’s wonderful.”

American Legion Post 419 is located at 15 Montauk Highway in Amagansett. For more information and updates about Jessica’s story, please visit youcaring.com/jessicagreene. For information about the event, visit www.facebook.com.