This Saturday (6/4), friends and supporters of Phil Leadbetter will assemble at the Dumplin’ Valley Farm in Kodak, TN to host a benefit concert.
Phil received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in March of this year. He has since undergone a number of surgical treatments, and is receiving ongoing chemotherapy.
Like far too many professional musicians, Phil was not insured at the time of his diagnosis. As he told us in March, it was an unacceptable oversight, since he had spent many years working as a nurse, and was all too aware of the costs of a major medical event should it occur.
But without regard for any of that, his many friends in the business have stepped in to help raise money to offset his treatment costs, something for which he is deeply grateful.
“I have so many dear friends, and I am SO THANKFUL for each and every one of them !!
I am doing well overall. My chemo is going good. I’ve not been sick, but my blood counts are so low I just hardly have any energy, but the doctors are pleased with my progress.
I will be finishing up my 2nd round of chemo two days before this Dumplin’ Valley show. I will have 4 rounds left. Hope I am doing OK by then, because I plan to perform with The Whites and also a Wildfire reunion (first time since I left to go with Grasstowne).
I have not played a public show since I was diagnosed. I’m hoping I have the stamina to make it. I’m gonna do my best anyway…..”
And without regard to Phil and his medical condition, this June 4 show sports quite an impressive lineup:
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The show begins at 11:00 a.m. and will also feature a silent auction for some very special items.
“We have a Martin Guitar signed by all the members of AKUS, and also a Goldtone resonator guitar that is being signed by many of the top dobro players.
Thanks to John Garrin for the guitar, Paul Beard for the reso guitar and Jerry Douglas for getting all these signatures.”
Complete details can be found at the Dumplin’ Valley site.
For those unable to attend, but who wish to contribute to help Phil with his medical expenses, a special web site and fund have been created for this purpose: www.unclephilfund.com.
