Montauk EMT Defied Odds, But Needs Community's Help

Friends and family will gather later this month at in East Hampton for a to benefit Allyson Wald.

On July 23, Wald, 48, suffered cardiac arrest which led to a brain injury. She collapsed en route to an audition for the national television singing competition, "The Voice." Since that time, she has been undergoing medical treatment in New Jersey’s Hackensack University Medical Center. Paramedics and doctors who treated Wald were unsure if she would survive.

Though Wald has managed to defy the odds, but she continues to need round-the-clock care. The trust has been established to help pay for her cognitive rehabilitation therapy and day-to-day care. The benefit is set for Oct. 23. 

“Her heart is on the mend,” said family friend Cindy Realmuto who is serving as The Allyson Wald Special Needs Trust spokeswoman, “but she still is having trouble stringing words together. Her sisters are working tirelessly to get her into rehabilitation."

“I am not a medical expert, but this is something I feel very sad about. We are insured Americans and then something happens and we realize how little we are covered," Realmuto said. "Allyson’s family is fighting to get her into a rehabilitation center and it’s been very difficult. Her sisters have contacted local officials and many organizations. My goal is to try to help raise money for Allyson’s day-to-day care.”

According to Realmuto, doctors do not know why Wald went into cardiac arrest. Her collapse may have been brought on by an unknown pre-existing condition.

Wald who has lived and worked in the Hamptons for more than 25 years, until recently was a co-owner of at Amagansett Square. Sisters, Andrea and Jen, and brother, Rob, said that she loved transforming a client’s look and enjoyed everyday banter with clients and co-workers.

Family members agree that helping others has always been part of Allyson’s beliefs. An interest in medicine, led her to become certified as an emergency medical technician and volunteer in the . She also became a CPR instructor and completed training to drive on ambulance calls.

Last May, Wald sold her shares in The Salon to partner Annie Barton in order to pursue new endeavors, like singing. Her family says she was thrilled at the opportunity to audition for "The Voice" and had planned on singing Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee” and Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.”

“She was fulfilling a lifelong dream,” said Realmuto, “and she was extremely excited about it.”

Tickets for the benefit may be purchased for $100 at The Salon. Along with Nick & Toni’s, passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided by , , Sacred Sweets, Estia’s Little Kitchen, , , and Foody’s. Vocalist Tom Postilio will provide entertainment and there will be a raffle and auction. Donated items include four Ranger hockey box-seat tickets, Roundabout Theatre Company tickets, karaoke from Jim and Nancy LaGarenne, a YMCA membership, and much more.

Donations can also be sent to The Salon at Amagansett Square, PO Box 2729, 6 Amagansett Square, Amagansett, NY 11930. Checks should be written to the Allyson Wald Special Needs Trust.