Suzan Bartels Medical Fund

GoFundMe project: The Suzan Bartels Medical Fund

By George Sinkler, Team manager. George is a full-time musician in the metropolitan Philadelphia area, a long-time friend of Sue’s, as well as her musical director and pianist.

Greetings - I am reaching out to you today on behalf of a dear friend, Sue Bartels, an exceptional singer whose voice has graced countless area stages over the years. (For those who may not be familiar with her musical career, a more detailed biography is available below). She has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. She lives modestly on Social Security, and has no savings left. A group of her friends have been looking for a way to help her, and so this project was begun.

Sue has been a vibrant part of the local artistic community. When you talk to Sue’s friends, again and again she is described as “Someone you can count on when you are in need”, “Passionate about music and friendship”, “Fun to be with, whether making music or sharing meals and companionship”, “Very encouraging to other musicians, particularly singers”.

Medical situation: About six months ago a routine physical examination uncovered a nodule in her left lung. Several scans and a biopsy led to the diagnosis of lung cancer. To make things worse, a month ago she had a serious fall, resulting in 17 stitches to her face, ambulance bills and the need for plastic surgery. She has also needed dental surgery for 2 years but has not been able to afford it, and that condition continues to get worse. As medical professionals emphasize, "Don't wait. Every day counts.

With this GoFundMe, we ask for your support. Our immediate target is $10,000. Beyond that, it is not possible to predict total costs throughout the entire next year. They could easily be twice that, or a lot more. We recognize that requests for financial assistance seem never-ending. This fund drive will make a measurable difference in the life of an artist and giving friend who has warmed our lives with her talents.

Your generosity, in whatever amount you can afford, is not just financial assistance - it embodies solidarity, compassion, and a shared commitment to our friend. Whether you choose a one-time donation or opt for several smaller contributions that fit with your budget, each contribution, large or small, will make a difference. We are a community.

Please share this request with anyone else who may also find resonance in this cause.

In admiration of Sue's indomitable spirit and in pursuit of a healthier future for her, we thank you profoundly for taking the time to consider how you will contribute to the GoFundMe "Suzan Bartels Medical Fund."

With heartfelt appreciation,

George Sinkler

Suzan Bartels: A Lifetime of Music

Sue Bartels' melodic journey spans five decades, rooted in the fertile artistic soil of Bucks County, PA. Founding member of the acapella trio ‘Hot Flash!’, Sue's harmonies lit up the local scene. She often has graced the stages of iconic venues including the former Chez Odette’s Restaurant, The Stockton Inn, Pebble Hill Church, and many other venues, often accompanied by the George Sinkler Quartet.

A mainstay of Bucks County piano bars such as The Hub Pub, The Limelight, Chez Odette’s, and Bowman’s Tavern, Sue's artistry has inspired aspiring singers to refine their craft. Her boundless encouragement has nurtured the talents of many aspiring singers, by offering support and mentorship.

Suzan Bartels & George Sinkler at The Stockton Inn by Maureen Gallagher

Suzan Signing Grateful

How to use this site

It is pretty straightforward. To donate, click on the “Donate” button. Enter your amount. Choose your payment method. Choose whether to give your name or be anonymous.

All of the money goes safely to a special bank account set up for Sue. GoFundMe gets none of it. But they do need some money to run the site, so they ask you to add a “Tip”. The industry standard seems to be 5%, but it’s your choice.