In this New Year, I am asking our community to wrap our arms around Greg and stand in solidarity with him as he continues to gracefully move through unthinkable grief and adversity.

Many of you may have heard me tell stories about EC and Greg, two people who have played the most pivotal roles in my young life. At 14, when I could no longer live at home, they took me in and gave me a place not only live, but a place to thrive.

For decades, Greg and English Cathy have been a steady rhythm in the heartbeat of Tucson's community—showing up, holding space, bringing people together, creating opportunities for celebration and joy, and offering a home for those who needed it most. They have been the epitome of community care. Greg is passionate about his work on film and television projects, helping bring other people's visions to life. (I remember bragging to my friends when he worked on the Tom Petty "Free Falling" music video. I thought he was the coolest guy around!)

His real legacy lives in how he and EC, his wife of nearly 40 years, supported their village. Over the years, they brought in, cared for, and helped raise other people's children, constantly blanketing everyone around them with love and joy. They helped weave the fabric of Tucson's music and cultural scene into something amazing. Also, they opened "The Pink Cadillac," an all ages venue where young people could feel safe and belong. Decades later, people still tell me about the impact Greg and EC have had on their lives. I should know. I am one of those people.

Grief Upon Grief Upon Grief:

The last two years have brought Greg losses that would break most people.

In 2023, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a prostatectomy in January 2025. While recovering and unable to work, he focused on caring for EC, who at 81 was slowing down but still full of fire.

Then in April, the unthinkable happened. A routine dental procedure led to complications that sent EC to the hospital with a blood clot in her small intestine. Unfortunately, she did not survive.

After 40 years of partnership, Greg suddenly found himself alone—submerged in shock and grief while facing staggering medical bills from both his own treatment and EC's final hospitalization, totaling $129,000.

While navigating this new reality, grief struck again. Tucson Kathy, Greg and EC's closest friend for 50 years, lost her own battle with cancer. Two profound losses in a matter of months.

June brought even more difficult news: the cancer treatment hadn't been completely successful, and Greg would need seven weeks of radiation therapy. He completed this grueling course of treatment on November 26th. While we celebrated this milestone, Greg had yet another hurdle ahead—a procedure on December 8th to clear scar tissue at the neck of his bladder, followed by an uncertain recovery period.

The Weight He's Carrying:

Through all of this, Greg hasn't been able to work consistently. Without steady income, he's been covering his health insurance out of pocket—$3,000 every quarter. If he can't pay back at least a portion of what he owes, he'll lose his insurance completely. At this pivotal moment in his cancer treatment and recovery, losing coverage could be devastating. His medical debt has climbed to nearly $150,000, on top of daily expenses and mounting unexpected costs.

Our Turn to Show Up:

Greg has been there for our community for years—opening doors, creating safety, and being the steady presence we could count on. He's grieving the love of his life and his closest friend while fighting for his own survival, both physically and financially. He deserves space to rest, to heal, and to grieve without the crushing weight of impossible debt.

Your contribution will help cover:

Medical bills from cancer treatment, surgery, and ongoing procedures

Health insurance costs

Daily living expenses while he recovers

EC's final hospital bills

After showing up for decades, Greg needs us now. Please contribute what you can and share this campaign widely.