Defying the Odds
January 14, 2011
Jason Crigler was a sought after singer/songwriter and guitarist who
performed with Norah Jones, Marshall Crenshaw and countless others
until a massive brain hemorrhage, known as an AVM or Arterio-Venous
Malformation, nearly destroyed his life. The prognosis for Jason’s
recovery was poor as he was left unable to move or communicate for
months. He faced a long recovery, but one that his family, including
his pregnant wife Monica, and his friends were determined to undertake
in loving and creative ways. Despite the doctors’ initial diagnosis
that Jason might not live or would only survive in greatly diminished
ways, Jason has made a near complete recovery. Today he performs alone
and with a band, and he travels the country telling his remarkable
story of hope and inspiration.
Jason’s story was documented by filmmaker Eric Daniel Metzgar in Life.Support.Music,
which we will screen, along with a presentation by Jason and his
sister Marjorie on Sunday, January 30th at 1 PM in Geary Auditorium B
at the Center City Campus. Following the screening and a multi-media
talk by Jason and Marjorie, Jason will perform a concert backed by a
band. Jason’s story is a magnificent one of the human spirit and how
love and creativity can be a force for healing and recovery. This
event is sponsored by the Colleges of Nursing and Health Professions,
the College of Medicine, the Athletic Department and the Office of
Student Life.