Support for Steve George and his Family

Hello Family, Friends, Clients and Colleagues of my father, Steve George, the Piano Technician. My name is Jessica, and I have started this fundraiser on behalf of my family to assist my parents during an unexpected, and exceedingly difficult time that has challenged us physically, mentally, and financially.

During a routine physical earlier this year Dad was diagnosed with mild anemia, and after several months without improvement was referred to a blood specialist. A bone marrow biopsy revealed he has MDS (“Myelodysplastic Syndrome”) a bone marrow failure disorder and a form of blood cancer (Link to MDS Foundation ). On Monday, November 20, 2023, he complained of a sore throat which escalated to a cough and respiratory distress. Mom took him to Kaiser Urgent Care and then by ambulance to Virginia Hospital Center. The cancer has significantly weakened his immune system and complicated his rehabilitation. The recommended treatment is chemotherapy, but it cannot begin until they get his respiratory situation under control. He is receiving many IV medications, intense round-the-clock respiratory therapy, and almost daily blood transfusions. My mother (Robbin George), a retired nurse, has spent every waking hour with Dad; advocating for his well-being by challenging him to fight and supporting him when he is unable. She is also providing bedside care and managing the dissolution of his piano tuning business.

My father has been a constant source of light in my life; teaching me to have a sense of humor, to love music, and to be kind. My brother Kyle and I are fortunate to have incredibly supportive friend groups and I have witnessed the same in my parents’ communities. Loyal piano tuning customers from the past 20+ years, colleagues from the Piano Technicians Guild, friends of the UF Gator Nation, the Smithsonian Choir, and their Chinn Aquatics and Meditation groups have reached out, legitimately concerned, and wanting to assist the family in some way. For decades, my Dad has tuned the pianos for many churches, all of whom so generously offered to pray for him with their congregations. An overwhelming number of you have shared incredibly heartfelt stories about how much my father means to you. The world we live in today is complicated, but one thing I know for sure is that my Dad does not deserve to suffer, and all of your recounting and outstretched hands have validated that – THANK YOU.

Mom is doing everything she can to help keep Dad comfortable, but the sudden and permanent loss of income from his thriving piano tuning business has caused a financial rift on the precipice of mounting medical bills. With Dad’s income no longer an option, my parents are financially sustained on a small pension and their social security, alone. We are all praying that Dad will eventually be able to come home, but he will be unable to work again and will require continued care. If you are willing and able, a donation of any amount to help them through this great challenge will be tremendously appreciated.

Thank you all for being friends to my wonderful father, and to the family.