From Mandolin Cafe...

Butch Baldassari, a long-time friend of the mandolin community is currently undergoing chemotherapy and related treatment best explained by an email he recently sent to many of his friends (below). In addition to the stress of such an invasive treatment, professional musicians don't benefit from paid leaves of absence from their jobs.

Many in the mandolin community have expressed an interest in providing their financial and emotional support of Butch throughout his treatment, and the purpose of this page is to help us achieve that goal. The Mandolin Cafe and our community sends their best wishes to Butch for a successful treatment and speedy recovery.

Dear Friend

Some of you may or may have not heard that I have been having some health problems recently. It started in mid-March with my left hand losing about 20% of its facility. I have not cancelled any performances yet, but I really can't do any recording or work that focuses heavily on myself as soloist. I am still playing concerts with Nashville Mandolin Ensemble. After an MRI and a brain biopsy on May 22, I was diagnosed with a low level 3 anaplastic astrocytoma deep in the right side of my brain. Because it is inoperable, I am following a regime of radiation and chemo beginning this Wednesday, June 6 for 6 weeks. I am going to be eating only a macrobiotic diet and following their lifestyle rules. I will also be receiving acupuncture, energy balancing treatments and massage therapy.

I hope to see or hear from you soon.

Butch Baldassari

See this subject discussed on the Mandolin Cafe Message Board.

NOTE: The online donations originating from this page go directly to Butch Baldassari. --Scott Tichenor

To donate or to discuss go to... http://www.mandolincafe.com/bb.html