Well, this is certainly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write, social media post or otherwise. I’ve only recently come to terms with saying these three words to myself, so I’ll just be blunt and come right out and say it to you.

I have cancer.

That isn’t actually the hard part. The part that kills me is having to admit that the total cost of treatment required is simply beyond our resources. I have always been fiercely independent and proud – probably to a fault – about being self-reliant and handling my own affairs. Even all the way back to grade school, I always came home with report cards that said, “Little Jeffy is a loner and tries to solve problems by himself. He needs to learn how to ask his teachers for help.” No wonder I bailed on the “band” thing for the “solo artist” thing early on.

In this case, I have no choice but to ask for help. Our projection for the shortfall we face comes to $27,896.28

On the brighter side, I THOUGHT I knew what great friends I had, but I had no idea. The out-pouring of support and love these past few weeks has left me positively stunned. You people are awesome! That includes the ownership and staff of venues I play repeatedly, who have been more than supportive and accommodating. I have always preferred to stand when I play, but having a stool nearby has proven necessary on some nights when I’ve gotten a little dizzy or weak. But the show must go on, folks! And it will…

I would be completely negligent if I did not mention how my wife, Rike, has been a godsend here. She has copiously researched what foods cancer likes and doesn’t like, and has had me on a diet cooked completely from scratch, as well as a cocktail of natural supplements that inhibit its growth. Her efforts have been tireless, her support unwavering. I frankly don’t see myself getting through this without her.

Some have suggested that I’ll have some great new batch of music after going through this, but I say no. Music is what I do and who I am. Cancer does not get to have a seat at that table. It does not get to have a chapter in my book. It is wholly unworthy of being represented in any creative endeavor.

Beyond that, I can offer no guarantees or promises here, except one: if this cancer shit is looking for a fight, it’s come to the right fucking place.

So there it is…after all these years, ”little Jeffy” has finally learned how to ask for help. How’d I do?