Jam'n for Joel Edison

Joel and Mary would never ask... and with their permission, this fundraiser is created.

Joel experienced a fall in late October 2021 that seemed uneventful at the time. Unfortunately, the suspected hidden injuries have reached a crescendo requiring hospitalization, surgery, and anticipated long-term rehabilitation. Numbness and tingling became an inability to grip eventually leading to inability to walk and support himself.

Joel does not have medical insurance and is only 3 months away from Medicare. As a proud, self-reliant and selfless couple, Joel and Mary sought advanced medical care only after no other alternative could be determined.

On Wednesday evening, January 5, 2022, the changes in dexterity, mobility, and pain increased to the point of seeking care at the Topeka ER. It was discovered that neck injuries were severely compressing nerves at C3 through C5 requiring urgent surgery, with the hope of returning some impaired function. He slid out of bed to the floor on Thursday January 6th after being unable to support himself. EMS was activated and he was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital. Neurosurgery was consulted and a plan developed for a combined anterior and posterior neck surgery to stabilize the damaged vertebrae with fusion and repair of discs. On Saturday, January 8 the anterior neck surgery was completed and while beginning to change positions, a minor complication occurred suspending the posterior neck surgery. Additional surgery is planned Monday January 10th.

But this is just the beginning. It will be a long recovery requiring much support, therapy, and home modifications. The financial burden will be enormous. Retirement plans are now most probably in jeopardy. But if you know Joel & Mary, or someone similar, they are fighters and will overcome this challenge.

As a performer and even more talented luthier, he has selflessly given to others in the music community. He is a founding trustee of Jam4Dan, an annual benefit supporting music education for youth in Shawnee County Kansas. Each year he donates a beautiful hand-crafted guitar, one that would be the envy of any performer, to raise funds. He has repeated this for the Topeka Blues Society and numerous other music endeavors. A friend to all, Joel would give the shirt off his back to support another... that is just the kind of person he is.

So, would you please consider supporting Joel & Mary at this time of need. No financial gift is too small or too big to help Joel & Mary with their challenges. AND, if unable to support financially, please lift them with your prayers, well wishes, and good vibes. Thank you.