Norman Music Community Hosts Benefit Concert For 2-Year-Old With Cancer

The music community down in Norman is coming together tonight for a great cause -- a little girl fighting a rare form of cancer.

Thursday, July 31st 2014, 7:21 pm

By: News 9

Norman Music Community Hosts Benefit Concert For 2-Year-Old With Cancer

The music community down in Norman is coming together tonight for a great cause -- a little girl fighting a rare form of cancer.

Her father was a part of the music scene for years, including working around the Flaming Lips.

Without his knowledge, his musical friends set up a benefit concert.

“I had every intention of just being a musician as long as I could,” James Pettigrew said.

Music has always been a part of James' life.

“I mean, it's all I did," James said.

For the past two years and four months, James' life has played a different melody -- fatherhood.

"She's just a great kid," James said.

In June, James' new gig became harder than he ever imagined. His daughter, Nova, was diagnosed with cancer.

"Initially, it's heartbreaking, you know, and then you see that she's the type of person, I think deep down, that is strong enough to take this on," James said.

Due to her aggressive chemotherapy, James initially thought we wouldn't be able to meet Nova, but this little girl who loves high fives couldn't resist a solid “10” from a News 9 reporter and photographer.

“They're giving her like a 50/50 shot, but I know she's going to pull through," said James. "I mean she's insanely tough.”

Something else also deserves a high five.

“Well you know, he's one of our people,” Bob McIntosh, manager of The Deli, said.

In a random strum of kindness, music is back in James' life.

A Norman live music hall, where James use to work, is holding a concert. It's not completely uncommon, but this time it's supporting a local, Nova.

"Everything on the door, the band makes, we'll have tip jars for people to contribute, and then we'll give a portion of the bar as well," McIntosh said.

"Emotionally, just knowing that many people care, I mean that really does do something for you," James said.

Donations are accepted through the gofundme.com website: Nova's Fight