A few months ago, my lifelong friend was diagnosed with a Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma mass in his chest. His cancer is an aggressive cancer that has already spread into other parts of his body. The mass in his chest is pressed against his heart and lungs. In 2021, Tony recovered from two total knee replacements and was ready to jump into 2022 looking forward to: hikes, biking and enjoying life, with his wife Lisa, without the pain of arthritis.




In November 2021, Tony's doctor caught something on a routine X-ray that needed further exploration.  After a CT scan, PET scan and biopsy, Tony learned of his cancer diagnoses.  2022 was not going to be the year he thought it would be.  Instead, 2022, starts with a fight for his life.  Tony has just completed his first of 6 chemo treatments with a possibility of radiation treatments once the chemo is complete.  Tony's oncologist recommended that he focus on his health at this point in time.  Tony will be out of work for at least 9-12  months to get through his aggressive treatment plan to combat the cancer.  Each round requires 6 days of chemotherapy which will be given while checked into the hospital on a 24 hours drip.

Why am l doing this Gofundme?

Well, the simple answer is Tony's one of my best friends.  My name is Jerry (Jp) Smith and we have been the closest of friends since we met around age 13.  Together, as kids, we drooled over guitars at JCPenny.  As time went on, we learned to play guitar and sing by listening to many albums back in the day.  Our love for music is what brought us together and as friends and we played in a few bands together.  Although there are too many memories of our past to post here, I can tell you this:  Tony is an amazing guy, a talented guitar player, funny, caring and a loving husband to his wife, Lisa.  

Tony continued on with his love of music via several different bands.  While working his full time job at West Rock, for 33 years, instead of doing the "normal weekend things", he chose to spend most of his weekends giving his time to provide entertainment to thousands of people through Blues and Rock bands.
 




I am proud to call Tony my friend and I am not too manly to tell you, l love this guy!

So, with this Gofundme page I ask you to help support my good friend while he fights his battle and the unknown that comes his way.  No amount is too small to help make this tremendously stressful and emotional situation a bit easier for Tony and his wife, Lisa, to get through this.  

l thank you for taking the time to read this Gofundme page and your contribution.  I pray you will share this page with anyone you think will help Tony's cause.

God Bless 

Jerry (Jp) Smith