If you’re a swing dancer in Humboldt County, have hit all the music spots during Arts!Alive or Arts!Arcata or attended Humboldt Folklife Festival or the National Old Time Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho, you’ve probably enjoyed music performed by Ken Jorgenson, his wife Maria and the many bands they’ve been a part of for the last 40 years and counting. This GoFundMe for Ken is an opportunity to appreciate all the joy and whimsy he’s given to his community, now that he’s in need.

Since late 2021, Ken has experienced a series of strokes that left him with vision and memory loss, plus balance issues. He broke his hip in early 2025, creating a need for more intensive daily care. Maria has been his full-time caregiver the past 4 years, in addition to running their business Blue Heron Cases. Christmas Eve Maria suffered an accident that resulted in severe injuries to both her lower legs. Her recovery is going well, but she will need several surgeries to regain full mobility and function.

It was a difficult decision, but it soon became clear that while focusing on her recovery, Maria would be unable to support Ken as she has done since his strokes and broken hip recovery. Despite local family and friends pulling together to help in the time directly following Maria’s accident and who continue to support Ken in other ways, the 24-hour intensive care Ken requires necessitated moving him to a private facility to ensure his safety and health needs.

Needless to say, that private placement has created a huge financial strain to an already difficult situation. That’s where we, the helpers, come in. Whether serving as a volunteer DJ at KMUD, organizing musicians to play for folks living in local care homes or doing school assembly music program at Fortuna’s Ambrosini School for 19 years, Ken has never turned down an opportunity to serve others, Ken has never turned down an opportunity to serve others. His bright smile and humor have brought people together through music, dance and many other community support efforts. Now Ken needs us to help him. Whatever you are able to give to this GoFundMe will go directly to giving Ken the care he needs during Maria recovery. Please donate what you can and share this fundraiser with your communities.