Many of you may know Butch from Plainfield, NJ, Houston, Seoul, Tokyo, or New York. He’s touched countless lives as an educator, friend, studio musician, accomplished guitarist, stage manager, actor, Judo and Kendo enthusiast, and as a loving and generous brother and uncle. Butch’s musical journey is especially remarkable—he has performed with Hall of Famers Wilson Pickett and George Clinton, served as a sound coordinator and technician for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club - during the complete "Speaking in Tongues Tour" and "Stop Making Sense" concert movie, leaving his mark on some of the most influential music of our time. Above all, Butch is an inspiring human being who has always given so much to those around him.

Butch, who now lives in Japan, has been courageously battling stage 4 prostate cancer for the past five years. He has undergone numerous rounds of chemotherapy, facing an incredibly difficult journey—physically, emotionally, and financially. In Japan, Butch must pay upfront for his treatments, which has left him in serious financial hardship. His devoted wife, Yoshie, is stretched to her limit as she also cares for her elderly parents. Each treatment day, Butch must take a bus and then a train to the hospital. Because he now struggles to walk properly, this journey has become almost impossible. In May 2025, he developed severe pain in his lower extremities, back, and hands due to the chemotherapy, making travel to the hospital even more difficult. He recently shared that he feels like giving up—with only two treatments left.

We’ve created this fundraiser to help Butch finish his treatments and give him the relief and comfort he deserves. Newly approved drugs are only available in the United States and Germany that can help with his treatments. It is strong possibility that Butch will have to return to America to have these drugs administered. Your heartfelt donation will go directly toward Butch’s food, transportation, and medical expenses. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps provide Butch with small comforts—like a warm cup of tea during long hours at the hospital, or a safe ride to and from his treatments. Your support means he doesn’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. Every contribution will make a meaningful difference and help lighten the burden that Butch and Yoshi are carrying. Please join us in supporting Butch and showing him he’s not alone during this challenging time.