Ventura, CA. Resident Sponsors Renee Bondi Concert in Gratitude for her Community

VENTURA, Calif. - Oct. 9, 2015 - PRLog -- On Saturday, September 26^th, the local community was invited  to an inspirational free concert entitled ‘Gratitude in the Journey’, featuring the gifted performer Renée Bondi.  Nearly 200 attended this  exceptional concert, held at Ventura Community Presbyterian Church, made possible through the generosity of a local resident, Phyllis Grey, who has been challenged by multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, since November, 2014.

Impressed by Renée Bondi 20 years ago, after seeing her perform at a benefit in Santa Barbara, Phyllis has listened to her music over the years and now frequently listens to Bondi’s music during her treatments, which she receives at the West Hollywood  clinic of Dr. James R. Berenson, an internationally regarded myeloma specialist.

‘Gratitude in the Journey’ was Phyllis’ way of saying “Thank You!” to her church family and many friends who have “covered” her with prayer during her walk  with myeloma.  The concert was also a way “to engage the community in learning how to respond to life’s challenges with genuine gratitude, knowing that God is actively and very personally at work through those challenges to fulfill His ultimate plan… if we will only seek Him,” said Phyllis Grey.

“What matters is giving thanks and offering praise, despite circumstances.  It is a process that requires discipline and obedience to God’s kingdom principles, not to self-centered “wants” of the world,” says Phyllis Grey,  “This challenging journey results in deep joy and peace, with a humble and grateful heart.”

Voluntary donations were offered at the end of the concert, and have been evenly distributed between Bondi Ministries and the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, (“IMBCR”).

Photos may be viewed here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/t5tbqg25j676mcs/AABrpoErREplQrSAaQJrbTbka?dl=0

More available here:      https://www.facebook.com/cpcventura

About Renée Bondi

At age 29, Renée Bondi was engaged to be married and had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. Then one night, a bizarre accident shattered her spine and left her quadriplegic. Her life changed forever. Renée lost not only the use of her hands, arms and legs, but also her singing voice — she could barely speak above a whisper. Unwilling to accept that her life was over, Renée searched her heart and sought the Lord for direction. Although there were many dark days, Renée continued to persevere.

Against all odds and all physicians’ prognosis, Renée’s voice was miraculously restored with a crystal clear, angelic sound. Renée harnessed her talents to inspire and give hope to others.

An incredibly gifted Christian singer before her accident, Renée has augmented her gifts to include a dynamic speaking ability that grabs the attention of her audiences. Whether she is performing a powerful concert or sharing her profound and victorious story that includes paralysis and a life confined to a wheelchair, those who hear Renée are uplifted and mesmerized by her angelic voice, music and messages. Most importantly, all who hear Renée are encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Learn more: http://www.reneebondi.com/biography

About IMBCR and Dr. James R. Berenson:

Dr. James Berenson is the founder of the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research (IMBCR), and is its medical and scientific director.  He has specialized in care related to myeloma, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, amyloidosis, MGUS, and metastatic bone disease both in the research and clinical areas for more than 30 years. He has been involved in many of the major breakthroughs that have brought new treatments for patients with these diseases resulting in both an improvement in the length and quality of their lives. The IMBCR is the only independent non-profit research institute working to find improved treatment, and ultimately a cure, for multiple myeloma.  Learn more:

www.IMBCR.org

Contact:  John Forrester  (323) 702-3684  john@johnforrester.com