Kenny Santillan-House Fire Destroys Everything

Update: After experiencing some success with our initial campaign, local musicians were in talks about doing a benefit concert for Kenny. The Tower District’s annual Porchfest on April 29th presents a unique opportunity to enlist local musicians to raise additional funds. With your help, our community can make a huge impact.

Since our last post, Kenny is now using a stationary bicycle for exercise, can walk longer distances, is continuing physical therapy appointments, and is feeling stronger, so things are on the upswing! Kenny says, “I’ve been humbled and taken aback by everyone’s support and kindness. It has been a blessing to reconnect with a lot of awesome friends, as well as meeting new ones, too. My goal is to one day be able to pay it forward to a fellow traveler in need. In the meantime, I hope to see you all out for Porchfest, sharing in some great music and good times.”

Our good friend and long-time Livingstone's patron, Kenny Santillan (aka Spooky Pane), has fallen upon some trying times. Unbeknownst to many, Kenny devoted several

years to caring for his elderly mother in her later years until she passed away. In

September, his aunt, who was like another mom to him, also passed away.

Perhaps most devastatingly, Kenny’s home caught fire last month. Mind you, this

was not just any house—his grandmother purchased the family home in 1945

during WWII. This home contained a century of family history—keepsakes and

heirlooms—along with a lifetime of music, lyrics, songbooks, recordings, and

all his musical gear. It all went up in a flash, the blaze believed to be caused by a

neighboring homeless encampment. Thankfully, his dog alerted him to the fire,

and the two of them managed to make it out alive. Ultimately, Kenny has lost

everything.

Meanwhile, Kenny’s health issues have presented an additional hurdle. Most

recently, lower back and knee issues have rendered him unable to walk without a

cane. His physical limitations have been a hindrance on many levels, but he is

going to weekly physical therapy appointments and discovered he is a candidate

for back surgery. Kenny wants to regain his health so he can recover, get back to

working, feel independent, and eventually experience some normalcy again.

Kenny is currently homeless. He is staying with friends but needs a more

permanent space to heal post-surgery and start over. Our hope is to raise enough

funds to help Kenny start fresh (rent, furniture, food, clothes, etc.) during the coming months as he recovers from this multitude of setbacks and buy him some time until he can get back on his feet (literally)!

On a lighter note, recently displaced and with no belongings, Kenny caught a

glimpse of his reflection in a window—bright-colored t-shirt, gym shorts, flip

flops, all second-hand---and couldn’t help but chuckle, noticing his resemblance

to Vincent Vega (early morning scene…in Jimmie and Bonnie’s backyard…dressed

like a dork). In this moment, it registered that he hadn’t lost everything. He still

had his sense of humor. Most importantly, he still has the support of friends. While Kenny is not one to share his troubles publicly, complain, or ask for help, he recognizes that he

needs our help right now. So, pretty please, with sugar on top, consider donating

to support our long-time friend. No contribution is too small. Thank you! #SpookyPayne

Before the fire...

...after.

Happier times meeting David Johansen.

Luna, the cat, lost in the fire.

Festus, the rescue dog!