Ian Shepherd recovery fund.

A bunch of CU musicians are raising money for fellow musician, and drummer extraordinaire, Ian Shepherd to help with his expenses while recovering from cancer. Here is his story in his own words:

This past Saturday, I thought that the fried chicken I ate before a show made my stomach mad. Made it through the gig dealing with waves of cramps but the pain got worse on Sunday and Monday and by Tuesday morning, it was unacceptable. Went to urgent care and was told to go straight to the ER. Had a CT scan and found a mass that was completely blocking my colon. Got admitted to the hospital and yesterday, they removed over half of my colon and confirmed that it was in fact, cancer. Lots of it. Colon had started to tear as well. We’re hoping they got all of the cancer out but we won’t know until next week. I’m exhausted, in more pain than I thought was possible, and terrified about what’s next BUT I’m more grateful than I’ve ever been. I came out of my surgery haze to my beautiful daughters holding my hands, the surgeons, doctors and nurses at Carle Hospital have been so very kind and patient, and my dearest friends have mobilized to support me, make me laugh(even thought it hurts) and make me feel loved. My family is rallying around me and my parents are on their way from Stratford Ontario, Canada to be here with me as well. My Ottawa and Halifax fam are constantly in touch too. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back out and play music but I told the doctors that I have a gig next Thursday that I need to get to. Maybe that’s too soon, but I’ll be back out sooner than you think.

If you know me at all, you know that my friends, my family, and my music are everything to me. I’m so so SO grateful for them and feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this community that I love so very much. I know that those three things will always have my back. F*** you cancer. I got this.