Jerry Holland has bone cancer

Subject: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Pauline L
Date: 27 May 07 - 11:52 PM

Jerry Holland, a master Cape Breton fiddler and composer, has bone cancer. He has had or will soon have one leg amputated. You can send him money or good wishes at http://jerryhollandfund.org/

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 28 May 07 - 12:14 AM

Strange coincidence, Pauline. A week or so ago, I went looking for Jerry on Facebook & Myspace to add him to my friends. I had no idea that he was ill at that time. I didn't find him but did find his son, Jerry Holland Jr.
A few days later, another Cape Breton musician joined me on Facebook and through her, I discovered that he is ill and there was a "We Love Jerry" group on Facebook which you may also wish to join.
The operation was set for Friday the 25th. and so far, no news on that site.
For those who may not know him: There are many Cape Breton Fiddlers, all of them great and all with their own strengths.
Jerry is regarded by those who would know, as being "Technically, the best". He is one of the nicest, unassuming people you will ever meet. Just a really nice guy who can play a damn fine fiddle.
If you have the time, I know he will appreciate your well wishes.
Jim

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 28 May 07 - 12:16 AM

Contact info: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 28 May 07 - 04:41 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. An absolutely wonderful player for whom I once sat through an interminably awful concert in a feezing cinema to hear.

The best fiddler Cape Breton ever produced ? Could well be.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Beer
Date: 28 May 07 - 07:53 AM

Very sad news indeed. Met him a few years back at the Montreal Celtic Festival. Do hope the best for him.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 28 May 07 - 12:00 PM

this is incredibly sad news.
Jerry is one of the finest fiddlers, best "makers" of tunes,
and one of the sweetest men I've ever met. We got to know
him a bit at Fiddle and Dance Camp at Ashokan, and it was a delight.
What a gentle giant, in so many ways.

I will hold him in my heart, and pass the word.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Bee
Date: 28 May 07 - 12:49 PM

Very sorry to hear this. I hope he gets well, aside from being a great fiddler, he seems by all accounts a very nice person.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: jeffp
Date: 28 May 07 - 02:02 PM

So sad to hear this. Jerry is a wonderful bear of a man. Not to mention a fine fiddler. I remember one evening at Irish Week at Augusta. He was due to play for one of the evening concerts that week and he and Zan MacLeod practiced on the back terrace at the Icehouse. For the next hour I was the only audience for some absolutely incredible music. Pure magic.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Susan A-R
Date: 28 May 07 - 10:08 PM

I just saw him up here in Montpelier (he teaches here sometimes) in a remarkable concert with Tommy Peoples. I think just May 4. He was on crutches for the concert, but I had no idea that was what was going on. I believe from what I hear, that he didn't know either at the time of the concert. I get the sense that this has happened very fast. He was as jovial, and friendly as ever, and played as well as I've heard him play.   What awful news.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Stewart
Date: 29 May 07 - 04:46 PM

jeffp - I also remember one evening at the Augusta Irish Week, Jerry and a couple friends were jamming on the porch of the conference center house, and I was just listening to the most beautiful fiddle music, for free, for which one would have to pay big money to hear in a concert hall. And he is the most friendly and gentle person you would want to meet.

At NW Folklife this past weekend, the Northwest Scottish Fiddlers dedicated their performance to Jerry.

Here's hoping he recovers soon.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Susan A-R
Date: 30 May 07 - 11:22 AM

From what I've heard up here, Jerry's pretty up beat about this (he is that kind of guy) and is expecting to be back working as a fiddler soon. I get the sense from friends that he feels that the cancer's pretty isolated. I hope that this is so. I wonder if it's possible to send him chocolate. He is SERIOUS about it.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 30 May 07 - 12:24 PM

Latest from the Cape Breton music list: (unofficial) - seems the docs felt they could save the leg after all, and just remove a tumor from the knee, and do some reconstruction on the knee, with some radiation therapy ... (I'm just repeating what I read there) ...

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 30 May 07 - 01:04 PM

From Where?
Good news!

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 30 May 07 - 03:33 PM

This,from Facebook.
"
Post #1
1 replyJerry Holland Jr. (Halifax, NS) wrote
on May 24, 2007 at 7:50 PM
Hello Folks,

Im sending this out, that I have been recieveing alot of emails, with some mis-informed information. There will be an official update from me tommorow evening. This update will be posted on this group as well as emailed out to all of Jerry Holland's Address Book.

If I miss anybody, I apologize, since I cant keep up with all addresses.

Thanks Very Much For Everyones Prayers and Support,

From Both Jerry's ...."

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 30 May 07 - 10:22 PM

Copied from the Cape Breton Music list:

The following message is from Jerry Holland, Jr., on behalf of his father:

Hello,

I want to give you an update on what's going on with me.

May 23rd, the biopsy showed the knee to be the secondary site of cancer.
So its coming from somewhere else.

May 24th, they removed the tumor and reinforced the area around my
knee - next they'll be trying to locate the primary tumor and
planning treatment.

That's the extent of what I know now and will keep you posted.

Best Wishes,

Jerry



Jerry Holland Jr.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 30 May 07 - 11:42 PM

Thank You, Sandy.

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 02:09 AM

Sarah Beck (no network) wrote
at 4:53pm on June 13th, 2007
Hi everyone,

I told Jerry I'd post something for him on here if he wanted, so here's what he sent along:

"Hi Folks
The update to June 13th is that Radiation treatments start tomorrow. I'm doing well so my Doctor says. Yeh! They have said that the tumor they "removed most of" is a secondary cancer. It looks like the main cancer is in my kidney, (from what they know at this date). Chemotherapy is offered to me as the treatment in dealing with this cancer (Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma). I'm waiting for a call from hospital for an appointment to meet with the Doctor about this treatment. I want to take this moment to thank you all for your prayers, support and concern. As I find out more, I'll do what I can to see updates get posted.
Many Thanks
Jerry Holland"
Message - Report

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2349148037

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 02:55 PM

Jim - Sarah - anyone in contact with Jerry -
Let him know that the prayers, support, and concern
are still flowing. Thanks for the update.
I know nothing about kidney cancer, and hope that
this is a "good" prognosis. Sounds scary to me.

Is there anything, besides moral support,
which Jerry could use at this time?

Subject: RE: Jerry Holland has bone cancer
From: Jim Lad
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 05:19 PM

You could send your regards through Jerry Jnr. on My Space .
There are various fund raisers going on but other than that, I'm guessing that privacy is a fairly precious commodity.
I am not in touch with him but am really impressed that he has taken the time to update us at all.
Regards!
Jim