Our lovable, charming, witty, and outspoken friend Gerry Shaia was diagnosed on Halloween 2024 with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, an extremely rare (3% of all thyroid cancers) and aggressive cancer. He immediately started an intensive regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that were completed last week. The treatments, which in his own words were "f*cking brutal," have been helping manage his illness. The success of these treatments is leading to a new treatment regimen in a couple of weeks.

While Gerry has continued to work through all of this as a caregiver (his only source of income and health insurance) for his longtime friend, living expenses continue to add up. To augment funds raised from three rock 'n roll benefit shows for Gerry on April 4, 5, and 6, please consider making a contribution to help with Gerry's expenses.

For the last 20 years, Gerry has been a steadfast advocate (patron saint) for caring for feral cat colonies across the San Fernando Valley and a strong supporter of our local music scene in Los Angeles, promoting, booking, and supporting local music acts. Having spent significant time with Gerry over the last four months taking him to doctor appointments and treatments, I can say with absolute certainty that Gerry is the bravest, toughest person that I have ever seen. His outlook is inexorably positive. Please help our heart-of-gold friend in his time of need.