Ernie Evans, popular Florida performer and festival promoter, is the latest in our bluegrass family to suffer from cancer. Yesterday morning he underwent surgery to remove a pair of tumors that were found in his bladder.
It appears that the surgery went well, and Ernie’s wife Debi, his musical, promoting and life partner, shared this update.
“About 5 months ago, we were on tour through the North East when Ernie had first noticed something was wrong. He had told me he thought he had been passing blood. I convinced him that we should make an apointrment with his doctor as soon as we got back. First diagnosed as kidney stones by the first physician was later changed when a CT scan showed a mass in his bladder which would actually turn out to be 2 malignant tumors. In addition to the tumors, a large stone was also found.
This all took place over the past 5 months. Yesterday morning at 6:30 a.m. Ernie was admitted to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL for surgery to remove the stone and tumors, and end the battle with cancer before it got out of control. The surgery was a success in removing the stone and tumors but we wait now for the pathology work to come back to see what next steps are.
Ernie is home now resting but is in pain. He and I are reading all of the cards wonderful emails and Facebook messages/posts we have been receiving. We are both very touched by the compassion everyone has shown and want them all to know how much we appreciate them. Ernie wants everyone to know that regardless of what the lab results say on Friday, he is full steam ahead and intends to get back on track recording, producing shows, touring and radio. I may need help holding him down this week so he gets the rest he needs to allow himself to heal.”
Bluegrass folks in Florida know the Evans well for their tireless promotion of the music in the Sunshine State. They perform together with The Florida State Bluegrass Band, host a weekly radio program on Sunday afternoons from St. Augustine, and assist in the production of several festivals each year.
Ernie also spent several years on the road with Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. He is accomplished on most of the bluegrass instruments.
Let’s hope to hear some very good news later this week. Get well soon, Ernie!
