Band Rallies for Toddler Amputee

It may have taken her a while, but when Michelle Wilson connected her friend to a Palm Harbor toddler whose limbs were severed in an April 11 lawn mowing accident, she immediately took action. 

Wilson, 16, a rising junior in the Dunedin High marching band program, said she was moved to tears when she figured out that her friend Ashlee Nugent, also a rising junior at Dunedin High and a former bandmate, is Ireland Nugent's older sister.

"I thought, 'She's my friend. She deserves some support and help,' " Michelle said. "We (Dunedin Scottish Highlander band mambers) get a lot of support from the Dunedin community. It was time for us to give back."

She might not be in the Dunedin band program anymore, Michelle explained, "but she's still considered to be a part of the band."

So Michelle texted Ashlee and shared her plans for a fundraiser modeled after the band's Tag Days.

And with a little assistance from band booster president Steve Beatty, Michelle rallied 20 to 30 of her kilted, uniformed bandmates to walk around downtown Dunedin performing inside bars and restaurants on a Friday evening (May 24).

They raised about $1,500 for Ireland.

"We got lots of tips," Michelle said. 

Ashlee Nugent was also there with her father Jerry Nugent and younger brothers and sisters, including Ireland. Ashlee carried the 2-year-old around downtown, following the band until Ireland got tired.

Ireland had colorful casts on one arm and both legs, which are severed at the ankles. Her golden curls were gathered in a high ponytail on top of her head, which she rested on Ashlee's shoulder as several of her six siblings goofed and ran around with each other.

"She didn't want to be in anyone else's arms but hers," Michelle said. 

Michelle said she's noticed a whole new level of maturity in Ashlee since Ireland's experience.

"Experiences like those change your whole way of looking at life," Michelle said. 

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