I realize there are people out here that don't support or accept this type of post on this site. I also didn't start it, but jumped right on board. One of my best friends is in one of the worst times I can imagine. Having been a part of the folk community for the past ten years in Florida, I have seen the support it can give. When one of my best friends, who happens to be an outstanding folk artist, was diagnosed with life threatening cancer, we decided to put the word out wherever possible in whatever way we can to try and help him. We just got this email from him to distribute to the people who want to know. If you don't, please move on to a different thread.

If you're interested:

hello from the balmy shores of chicago beach! temperatures today should reach 40 degrees! Friends and family (the lines begin to blur),Wanda and I are really grateful for all the good vibes and support from the Florida community! I know that we are the prime recipients of all this effort, but that also makes us the focal point. In other words, we see you all as one big powerful force, but you might not see, or know that you are part of one big whole. Take a moment to realize that you have a connection to all the others on this list and beyond. We are not alone (!), and it is a wonderful and comforting feeling. Know that you are a part of a very big, vibrant, and loving community! I had a great week, with few side effects from the treatment, and some free time to visit the Field Museum, and attend a local contra dance! New Years brought fireworks on the lake, and cryptic messages from the government about ignoring the man behind the screen. Sunday we go back in. Forward thru the fog. Treatment is 24hr chemo, and two rounds of radiation a day. Out the following Friday. All of the patients in my wing are cancer patients, and several are in the same program that I am in, so we prop each other up as best we can. I can't say enuff about all the good stuff happening on our behalf. Thanks to all, and we'll talk later... ju and wanda

I got this message while he was tuning his banjo and Wanda was changing her guitar strings. the rest of our band is trying to get ready to perform without them for the first time in years. The music will carry us through somehow. Kristi