Support William Sonoda: A Life of Music, Family, and Courage

Our dear friend and beloved musician William “Ish” Sonoda is courageously battling extensive small cell lung cancer. Due to the aggressive nature of this type of cancer and its spread, Ish has faced an incredibly difficult journey, marked by multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation (including whole brain radiation), and now a promising immunotherapy treatment called Tarlatamab.

Ish is a loving and supportive husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a man whose family is truly the center of his world. His days are brightened by fishing, kayaking, woodworking, tinkering with cars, and his ever-faithful pets who rarely leave his side.

With more than 50 years of professional performance experience, Ish is widely known for his signature guitar style, warm presence, and devotion to music. He founded Kola Music, where he taught and mentored many aspiring musicians over the course of 20 years—all while working full-time as an airline mechanic for American Eagle for 25 years. His passion for music, his gentle soul, and his quiet strength have touched so many over the decades.

Ish is a man of deep loyalty and pride—never one to ask for help, always the first to offer it. But as he continues treatment indefinitely, the growing demands of medical care and daily life are challenging. That’s why those who love him are stepping forward to ask on his behalf.

This fundraiser will help support:

• Ongoing treatments and medications

• Travel to and from medical appointments

• Essential living expenses during recovery

Every contribution—whether financial or through sharing this page—goes a long way in easing the path forward. It’s a chance for all of us who know and love him to give back to someone who has given so much through his music, mentorship, and friendship.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Ish during this journey.

With love and gratitude