A Little Backstory
Over the last quarter-century, my life has been a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of music, teaching, community service, and entrepreneurship. From the early days of busking outside the Tennessee Aquarium to touring with Yanni, and from stewarding the beloved Dulcimer Players News into a new era to serving as the Mayor of Signal Mountain, TN, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Alongside Angie, my steadfast partner in all things, we've navigated the ups and downs of self-employment, always finding ways to give back to the community that has given us so much.
However, recent years have presented us with our most formidable challenges yet. The COVID-19 pandemic erased many of the traditional avenues through which we shared our talents and sustained our livelihood. In response, we pivoted to leveraging our skills in house remodeling—a decision that, while initially promising, did not shield us from the unforeseen hardships to come.
In 2021, we embraced a new venture, stepping into project management roles for a California startup. Despite our best efforts and the successful navigation of complex regulatory landscapes, the project crumbled when financial backing withdrew. This setback coincided with a personal health crisis that has profoundly impacted our lives. I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, a revelation that has since led to multiple surgeries and an ongoing battle that demands much of my physical resources.
Now, in 2024, Angie and I are charting a course through these turbulent waters from our new base in Marina, CA, where we've found refuge and support with my daughter's family. As I face a rigorous six-month cancer treatment regimen, including two months of daily radiation, the challenges before us are daunting. The logistics of treatment alone—a daily three-hour drive to the hospital in Sacramento—are a hurdle we are currently working to overcome through boarding arrangements near the hospital.
In the face of these trials, we are doing everything within our power to mitigate our financial strain. We've made the difficult decision to sell personal assets, including our Airstream and Ford F150 truck, both of which have been integral to our journey thus far. Yet, we recognize that these measures alone will not suffice.
This is why I am turning to you, my community, with a request for support. Not as a plea, but as an invitation to engage in a mutual exchange of value. I am dedicating myself to producing and sharing teaching material in photography and hammered dulcimer, drawing upon decades of experience and passion. This endeavor is not just a means of financial support; it is a commitment to continue contributing, to continue teaching, and to continue inspiring, even as I navigate this personal health crisis.
Your support during this time would mean the world to us. It would provide a lifeline, enabling us to face the challenges ahead with a bit more security and a lot more hope. In return, I promise to offer content that enriches, educates, and entertains, fostering a community of creativity and resilience.
Thank you for considering standing with us during this pivotal moment. Your support, in any form, is a beacon of light in a time of uncertainty. Together, I believe we can emerge from this stronger and more connected than ever before.
