If I have to pick a mainstream disease that I despise, it is cancer. Overall, Multiple System Atrophy, which took my Dad, is #1, but that is another column. Cancer has ended too many of my friendships throughout my career. I hate when patients die. I have gone to more viewings this year than weddings, and the number will only grow. Cancer will take a few of them. I just know it.
I don’t think Bill Garrison will mind that I tell you that I am his pharmacist. Bill has liver cancer. That is no secret either, because he will be the guest of honor at a benefit to raise money to for his chemotherapy copayment. Medicare covers a maximum of 80 percent on approved medical procedures. Cancer chemotherapy averages $2,000 per month. That $400 would be two to three weeks’ worth of groceries. I don’t know too many fixed income people who can afford a $400/month hit.
I ask you to support this benefit, which is taking place on Sunday, May 20, at the Springbrook Fire Company Hall. There are at least four bands scheduled to play, starting at 2 p.m. The Forgiven Band, playing one of its many no-charge charity events, will be headlining. May kicks off our summer tour from LA to DC—Lake Ariel to Dickson City. I am also thrilled to announce that we have a deal with Columbia Records. We get 13 albums for a penny and then have to buy 8 at regular price. (You have to be at least 35 to get that second joke.)
TFB has never sounded better. We all have upgraded to top-of-the-line equipment, and we added two new members. We now have the ability to play next to the best Christian bands out there and sound just as good.
Charlie “The Godfather” Bacinelli, after 35+ years as a legendary keyboard player in various bands (most notably XS, which dominated the club circuit from the 80s through the mid-2000s), came to me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. After surviving a highly fatal form of ocular cancer, he wanted me to help form a Christian band with him as the lead guitar player and me on bass. Charlie has become a formidable lead guitarist.
Rounding out the band are Andrea “The Pipes” Picozzo on lead vocals, who sounds like Ann Wilson meeting Robert Plant; “Snotnose Timmy” Tim Depew, on a very versatile (easy by no means) rhythm guitar; and new drummer Gene “Animal” Kashuba on the kit. I would say that this is the most talented lineup we have had. Our sound is brand new, and, as Animal put it, I have some “sexy boom” coming out of my bass amp. The voice and other instruments are even better.
Come out and support the Garrison Family as Bill continues his brave fight. You won’t be disappointed. Peace.
Jay Sochoka, R.Ph., doesn’t have a lot of treasure to tithe. However, time and talent abound.
