The traditional bluegrass world held its collective breath back in April of 2006 when Ernie Thacker, soulful singer and former Clinch Mountain Boy, was seriously injured in an automobile accident. The mishap left him paralyzed from the chest down and unable to continue performing.
His good friends and fans arranged multiple benefit concerts and donated the funds necessary to help Ernie obtain a handicapped capable vehicle. Thacker is hopeful of getting back out on the circuit, where he thinks he could provide a powerful example to other handicapped people who might see him speak or perform.
But the van he found in ’06 is now unserviceable, and Ernie is unable to even make his doctors appointments without a specialized conveyance. Surviving these days on social security benefits, he is without means to purchase one on his own.
Thacker is using a GoFundMe account to try and raise $15,000 for a new van. That may actually not be enough to replace his vehicle, but it should be a good start in any event. Time is of the essence since the transmission in his 2000 van is close to giving out, leaving Ernie stranded.
Anyone with a few dollars they can spare can make a contribution online at Ernie’s GoFundMe page. Let’s help keep this bluegrass warrior on the road!
