Jammin’ for a Cause

By Chris Spiewak                                                                                

Note: This article, written in 2017, is posted today in memory of Jaclyn, who died on August 20, 2018

Unfortunately, bad things can happen to good people. When tragedy strikes, family and friends sometimes need additional love and support from the community and the call for assistance goes out. As is often the case, many “first responders” to these calls are members of the local music scene, always ready to help one of their own. Sayreville native Michael Squillace, best known for his amazing saxophone talents, has reached out once again in support of his sister, Jaclyn, who is battling cancer for the second time in her life. The “troops” have gathered; ready, willing and able to fight for this courageous young woman.

Michael, aka ‘Sax Skillz,” began with the sax in high school, and soon took up the clarinet; he became so proficient on the clarinet that he has earned first chair at many concerts, including his high school orchestra’s performance at Carnegie Hall. His sax abilities allow him to sit in with the best rock and blues bands in the area, which he does frequently at clubs both large and small like The Saint and The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the Count Basie and BB Kings in Manhattan.

These days he can be seen regularly with The Josh Zuckerman Band and Pepper wine, and also visits the stage with Joe DePalma and Rand Hubiak. He also performs at many benefit events every year, like the Light of Day shows in Asbury Park, the recent Red Bank VetFest and shows with Tim McLoone’s Holiday Express. When Michael is needed, Michael delivers; when he himself needs help, the local music community is there for him.

Jaclyn Squillace was 26 years old and five months pregnant when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2014. Chemo treatments started right away, and soon afterwards a happy and healthy baby Nicholas entered the world amidst all the turmoil. Surgery and more chemo and radiation treatments for Jaclyn ensued, and her cancer was thought to be in remission. With two musicians in the fold (sister Amber is a talented vocalist), the family decided to stage a benefit concert to help raise funds and spread awareness of this dreadful disease. The first “Jammin For Jaclyn” show was such a success, they did another one six months later in 2015.

Things were still good for Jaclyn in 2016, and the Squillace family wanted to give back to the community and raise money for others. The annual show went on, raising needed funds for young Wyatt Scott, diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 19 months of age. Wyatt is a strong little boy, and endures his treatments like a champion to this day. One of this year’s recipients, Danielle Sozio, a 33-year-old first grade teacher at Arleth Elementary in Sayreville, diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at age 30, sadly lost her valiant fight just a few weeks ago. And unfortunately for Jaclyn, this disease again reared its ugly head, and her cancer was found to have returned in late 2016. More treatments, and additional surgery in March 2017 have helped, and this amazing woman continues to battle with the heart of a true warrior.

There is an undeniable fighting spirit in this family. Jaclyn, Michael and Amber’s parents, Denise and Ron Morgan, have partnered with a local charity organization to assist them with logistics and donation distribution. This year’s show is just around the corner on April 29, at the Knights of Columbus hall at 308 Fourth St. in South Amboy, from 3:30 to 11 p.m. Thirty-one food vendors will supply a hot and cold buffet all night long. And then there’s the music, where the old saying “will work for food” still rings true; Damian & the DCQ, Amber Morgan, Rocco & The Mob, Alternate Groove and Split Decision are just a few of the great acts donating their time and talents.

It was never about gloom and doom for Michael Squillace and his family; they continue to have a positive attitude as they have throughout this entire ordeal. For more information, visit jamminforjaclyn.weebly.com.

Let’s all keep jammin’ for Jaclyn while she fights the good fight towards a productive life ahead.

Chris Spiewak is currently the bassist for Rock/Blues cover band VyntEdge.

This article originally appeared in the April 20, 2017 print edition of The Two River Times.