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http://www.freelancestar.com/News/FLS/2002/102002/10282002/770768

Music benefit planned Nov. 2 for Heidi Ortiz

"Heidi's Night of Music" will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Church in Locust Grove.

By CATHY DYSON
The Free Lance-Star
 

Music was a big part of Heidi Ortiz's life--before a mysterious illness took over her life.

On Saturday, music will be a big part of a benefit in her honor.

"Heidi's Night of Music" will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lake of the Woods Church in Locust Grove. Several local singers and groups will perform, and more than 30 Henn Workshop baskets and pottery pieces will be raffled.

All donations will be used to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van for Ortiz.

Ortiz's health started to decline when she was 16. Her parents, John and Jackie Homan, and later her husband, Carlos, have taken her to various doctors and specialists over the years to determine the problem.

Now 30, Ortiz can no longer walk or talk, and her family says her illness finally has been diagnosed. She has a neurological disorder that stems from a tetanus shot she received as a teenager, the family reports. The shot contains an ingredient that causes an autism spectrum disorder in a small number of people, according to information from the family.

Ortiz taught piano in her home until her health deteriorated. On Saturday, she'll be serenaded by two solo performers and two groups. Tom Northam is a songwriter and actor who's appeared at the Riverside Center Dinner Theater, and Peg Manuel is a well-known singer in the Lake of the Woods community.

The Lakers perform Southern gospel, oldies and show tunes, and the Terrapin Thickets encourage audience singalongs with their country bluegrass.

Sandy Jones, branch manager for Henn Workshop, has donated raffle items, including the grand prize, a mahogany blanket chest.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Bake-sale items and light food will be available until 7 p.m.

For more information, call Jackie Homan at 972-7676 or Sandie Hatfield at 370-4920.

--Cathy Dyson

Date published: Mon, 10/28/2002

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