Guelph-born cello star Zoë Keating has been dealing with a nightmare scenario that has resulted in an extraordinary response from her millions of fans.
In late May, Keating reported on her facebook and blog page that an MRI scan had revealed 20 tumours in her husband Jeff Rusch’s brain, as well as a softball-sized tumour in his lung, tumours in his other lung, his liver and possibly his bones. She announced that she will put plans for a new album on hold in order to focus on her husband’s devastating illness.
To make matters worse, their medical insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross) refused to pay for treatment stating in a letter that the treatments did not meet the criteria for medical necessity.
“I would call saving my husband’s life medically necessary,” Keating said.
You can watch a video report via XPIX-TV:
Like so many times before, Zoë reached out to her fans, who touchingly responded by paying for the cello star’s husband’s medical bills.
As you might have heard, my husband was diagnosed with stage IV cancer on May 15th. I’ve put everything about my music career – new album, new tour dates – on hold for now.
I support my family 100% with my music and I’ve always been proud of that. But now is not the time for my pride to get in the way. We need help. So for those of you who feel inspired to help us get through this awful time, here is a donation button. I thank you with the deepest possible thanks.
Keating has released an update on her blog stating the chemo is going well and the tumours have already begun to shrink. The treatment includes 6 rounds of radiation, as well as surgery.
We are realizing that this is a long road. Speaking for myself I’m gradually adjusting from emergency mode to some kind of acceptance of our new life. Not always though. Occasionally I have to get in the car, drive down the hill and have a good scream.
We’ve been floored by the generosity of friends and neighbours who have helped so much: picking up Alex from preschool, having him for playdates and sleepovers, bringing us meals, etc, etc. Thank you.
And then (this is the part that is hard for me to write and where I keep getting stalled)….. and then there is you and your generosity. Our portion of the bills* have finally started to roll in from the hospital and the labs and the imaging center and the oncologist and the second opinions at UC Davis and UCSF….and ….YOUR DONATIONS ARE COVERING IT!!!!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Keating’s family during this difficult time.
For readers interested in contributing to the cancer fund, please visit here.
Michael Vincent
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