Town Holds Benefit for Meningitis Victims

OOLOGAH, Ok - Devin Amos and the Keith Lee Band are one of several groups to come to the "Love Out Loud" Benefit. The goal of the event is to raise money to help the victims of the meningitis outbreak back in March.

"When I heard about all the meningitis that was happening out here, I mean that stuff's scary, and how many families it's affected," says band member Devin Amos.

Seven families lives were forever changed when the disease struck children at the Oologah Elementary School. A 7-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl died from the bacteria.

Jeremiah Mitchell was one of the students sickened. Because of the disease, Jeremiah lost all four limbs and has undergone facial reconstructive surgery. He is now in recovery and showed up at the benefit.

"He has a very gumptious, hearty spirit, a really good sense of humor, cracks jokes about his condition, so he's just doing a wonderful job," says Jeremiah's grandma Carolyn Mitchell.

Even though things have been tough, the family says they're grateful Jeremiah's been a catalyst to inspiring others. They believe it's important for people to see him and to know just how serious meningitis is. Benefit organizers say they hope this creates more awareness as well as provide some sort of relief for the families struggling from the outbreak.

"What better way for the communities, Tulsa, and all the surrounding communities of Oologah to give back and to show that we're Oklahomans and we care," says event organizer Ashley Algrin.

The Devin Amos and the Keith Lee Band says their hearts go out to Jeremiah and all the families. They hope the victims stay strong.

"He's a very brave kid to have to deal with all that stuff. The fact that we're all coming out to support it is really really special."

Money can still be donated for the "Love Out Loud" Benefit by contacting the Oologah Assembly of God Church.