Help Johnny Vernazza Rebuild After Cancer

For the last couple of years, Johnny Vernazza has been battling cancer of the throat. The radiation treatments used to save his life caused severe bone and tissue damage that resulted in three surgeries and total dental loss. On August 8th, Johnny will have yet another surgery hopefully repairing the remaining damage, there will be a need for a few more procedures leading to getting his teeth permanently replaced.

Throughout all of this, Johnny has been in a long fight with his insurance company forcing him to pay the medical costs that he could out of pocket so as not to stall his treatment. He was recently notified that his claims had been denied. Leaving him with a large amount of debt for the medical expenses.

Johnny is a highly respected member of not only our local music community but on the world stage as well.

"Johnny V is a highly regarded musician who has earned his place as a standard bearer in the San Diego music scene. His kindness, humility, and tenacity have kept him in the well-deserved limelight." (Peter O)

We are asking for your help to level out his finances so he can continue to work, contribute to his family, and perform.

Join us with love in your heart and a generous hand in your pocket. Dig it. Dig deep.

For the love of Johnny!

Rosalea Schiavone

A personal note from Johnny:

Johnny Vernazza here, as you know, cancer is a terrible thing that affects everyone in the family. We all know someone that has battled cancer currently or in the past. Some of us win that battle, but the effects of the treatment can take its toll on our bodies. First, I was treated for throat cancer and the next year radiation treatment cancer on my forehead. In my case, the radiation for my throat cancer caused severe bone loss in my mouth leading to three surgeries and total dental loss. Though I have dental insurance, after a long fight, they denied my claims leaving me in debt for the unpaid amount. I now have swallowed my pride and am asking for help to try and level my playing field so I can continue to work and contribute to my family and continue performing. All I can give back is a thank you and hope to see you out in the world as I never lose sight of the fact that at 74 I'm still alive and feel very blessed to be on this earth still.

Photo Johnny V and Elvin Bishop

Photographer Brad Elligood