Hi, My name is John Ohlinger and I am asking you to help my friend Michael Cross recover lost wages. He suffered for two months with an illness. Because of this he was unable to work in his usual trade as a professional musician.

He has been a long-time Austin musician since 1991 and began playing with Duck Soup. Eventually he found himself playing bass with Rusty Weir. It was from this gig that he met Joe Forlini and the two formed Forlini & Cross. You can still catch them performing now! That’s a run of 26 years and still going. He recently released a full length album with Joanna Howerton titled A New Love Begins. He is also a session musician who plays many instruments and has recorded with numerous artists.

Michael is one of the most humble and loving men I have ever met. I have been lucky to share the stage with him occasionally and he emanates joy when he is in the spotlight and also in a supporting role. I am not just a friend, I am also a fan of his songwriting and musicianship and presence.

On August 15th he went to the emergency room where they mis-diagnosed him with COVID-19 and was sent home. He suffered a few days and then his physician told him to return to the ER where he was admitted in ICU and they discovered an abscess on his liver. He was hospitalized for about 10 days total at Dell Seton Ascension Hospital throughout this treatment.

We are happy to say he is fully recovered! As a self-employed musician, Michael’s wages depend solely on his ability to work so he had to cancel quite a few gigs and took his time getting well but bills don't wait for you to be physically fit to work.

All donations will help him cover bills and living expenses and I thank you for your support. If you cannot give at this time, please consider sharing among your friends so we can reach our goal!