Al Swanson

Here we are again...

Many of you remember Al's first bout against throat cancer last year. He barely recovered from extremely invasive surgery to remove the tumor when he received the news of recurrence. This second battle is proving to be arduous as the seven weeks of chemotherapy and radiation are taking their toll. While Al continues to fight his battle with fortitude and grit, I want to make it easier for him.

Most of us are naive to the devastating ripple effect of a diagnosis. Cancer tries to take everything from you. It will attempt to steal not just your health, but also your optimism, energy, assets, and livelihood. Al is a self-employed woodworker and furniture making is a strenuous craft. Medical expenses for ordinary care are already exorbitant; the financial setback from cancer treatment is nearly insurmountable.

As the self-sufficient, hard-working man that he is, Al will want to be back to work full time as quickly as possible to provide for his son, Gabe, and to keep his business afloat. When you're raised on a farm in New England like Al was, your work ethic doesn't allow for instructions to rest or ask for help even when your life depends on it.

Al's captivating personality is part of his initial charm, but it is his genuine kindness and generosity that are his most enduring qualities. If you've spent much time with him, I'm sure you have argued with him over a tab, received one of his pieces as a gift, or seen countless ones donated to charitable auctions.

Thank you for continuing to support Al and his son, Gabe through this difficult time. Your donations are quite literally buying him time... the time he needs to rest, heal and recover properly without the financial worry.

If you don’t know Al, please visit his website alswanson.com to learn more about his art and life.