Help Chris Overcome Medical Debt and Illness

I miss so many of you, but I have to explain why you don't see me at shows and readings anymore. I am sorry to have to bother my friends with bad news about my health and finances. I do my best to keep others motivated and informed, as creatively as I can, and have dreaded letting people know the truth about my circumstances.

Things have gotten dark for me the past few months; it has been a terrible winter in a number of ways. I have various health conditions, including an ongoing, mysterious, and pernicious combined Bacterial and fungal infection that affects much of my skin, which I won't describe but is very painful and uncomfortable. It's part of a condition I've had for a while and has led to Cellulitis and other things. I also have ACL injuries in both knees and a torn rotator cuff, so this makes me eligible for disability but I can't collect it due to the amount that I have worked.

I have racked up a lot of medical debt for home care specialists from hospitals just to try to heal my wounds, help me with extensive and frequent Physical Therapy, and live a somewhat normal life around my mission to get word out about really cool releases.

I am also being paid far less than I had been for several years, due to economic circumstances affecting so many of us in the music and arts media culture.

And of course with all my bills and basic expenses going up (as is probably happening to you too). at the start of the year, I have to get serious and figure out how to afford life.

During the holidays, most of my savings were wiped out for reasons I won't bring up here. But there was no way to avoid it.

The money I'm asking for will be going to making sure I keep receiving medical treatment and home health care assistance, with the primary goal to be to get out and see all my beloved comrades again! And participate with you in all the fun we used to have just a few years ago. Also, to move to a more affordable (if possible) easier-to-live-in place.

I would also like to remind artists, bands, and authors that I am happy to answer any questions about how to promote their work. I love talking to you people with outrageous imaginations and skills and genuinely care about the vibrant and crucial creative worlds I've participated in.

And if you've been needing a bio, outreach consulting, press and social media services, I have over 30 years in the business as a writer, Executive Assistant, publicist, and ""good guy to know" (in the words of supermensch David Lasky). I have had sweet friends like the genius Rachel LeBlanc who has been checking in on me and going above and beyond to keep me surviving. But it's stretching them a little thin.

So help an Estey out if you at all can. and I wish I had been more honest with you about my plight earlier, but its getting near the knuckle now. I'd be deeply grateful for any help -- and any work too, if you need some consulting for your craft.

Deep respect and much appreciation - Chris