Published: August 09, 2007 12:12 am      

Benefit concert planned for local veteran

GREENVILLE — After completing a four-year tour of duty with the United States Navy, Spencer Trad, 28, of Greenville was diagnosed with a rare medical condition called Avascular Necrosis — a disease that results in temporary or permanent loss of the blood supply to the bones.

Spencer is the son of Bob and Shannon Trad of Greenville, and Spencer’s mother said that Spencer’ femur bone has loss of blood flow and is withdrawing out of the hip socket, and he is currently in need of a hip resurfacing surgery.

“He has stage three in one hip and stage one in the other hip,” she said. “He has been in pain and discomfort, and this is a rare disease for his young age.

“His quality of life has declined with very little sleep. He has been to the emergency room many times with swollen legs. And he’s been unable to work and only desires to go back into the Navy.”

A benefit concert, “The Spirit’s Call,” will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free but love offerings will be accepted at the door.

Guest artists at the concert include Corey McCurry, Venita Hickman, the Williams Family, Trig ward and Crossroads Gospel Band, the Messengers, Heartsong Quartet and David Gish and the Joyful Noise Band.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards meeting Spencer’s medical needs, which includes the necessary surgery.

Donations can also be made to the Spencer Trad Medical Fund at any Bank of America.