East Rutherford, NJ – The Jonas Brothers turned their MetLife Stadium tour opener into an unforgettable night for one Toms River teen, creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment that went far beyond music.
Sixteen-year-old Gabby Brehm, a former patient and now ambassador for Children’s Specialized Hospital, was invited backstage before the trio launched their Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown tour on August 11. The meet-and-greet was arranged through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization the Jonas Brothers have long supported.
Gabby’s journey has been anything but ordinary. At age 13, she suffered a sudden AVM (arteriovenous malformation) rupture—an unexpected brain bleed that left her paralyzed on her left side. After emergency surgery, she spent five weeks in intensive inpatient rehab at Children’s Specialized Hospital, where she gradually regained mobility and returned to her life as a vibrant teenager.
“I didn’t want to go to another hospital after my surgery, but I can’t imagine where I would be today without Children’s Specialized,” Gabby said following the backstage experience. “They gave me my life back and so many opportunities, like this one, that I would never have had before.”
The backstage moment was more than just a meet-and-greet. Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teen, has long been involved with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which includes Children’s Specialized Hospital—the only such facility in their New Jersey hometown. Their pediatric Diabetes Program is nationally accredited and provides critical care to kids with chronic conditions.
The event was coordinated by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, whose team presented custom “CSH LOVES JONAS” hats. In a show of support, the brothers wore the hats while posing for photos with Gabby.
“Miracle moments like the one the Jonas Brothers created for Gabby are absolutely priceless,” said Alissa Memoli, President and Chief Development Officer at the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. “Having support from beloved hometown heroes like the Jonas Brothers reminds our patients that their community is behind them every step of the way.”
The moment will be etched in Gabby’s memory forever—and served as a powerful reminder of the impact hometown heroes can make far beyond the stage.