From Gene Chandler, via email, comes new word about the recovery of saxophonist Buzz Montsinger (pictured above). For background on the story of Montsinger’s serious neck injury in April, and his determined comeback since, click here for a previous SLANTblog post. And, with regard to Chandler’s news, posted below, and the good-deed-opportunity he presents the music-loving reader, remember -- ’tis the season..."Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. As most of you know on April 30 of this year our dear friend Buzz Montsinger fell and suffered a serious spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
"Needless to say this has been a devastating experience in Buzz’s life. The good news is that after surgery and a lot of hard work, Buzz has made remarkable progress. He maintains that same determination that he showed us when he played football for the University of Richmond. He still has a long way to go, but his spirits are good and he remains positive. It is remarkable that he can now get around with a walker or a cane.
"I know a lot of you helped out in a big way when we held a fundraiser for him on July 16th, and because of everyone’s generosity some of his debts and most of his medical expenses are currently under control.
"However, more needs to be done. In addition to medical care and intensive physical therapy he needs his own place to live and begin to rebuild his personal foundation. He has an opportunity to purchase a mobile home in Myrtle Beach, near his brother’s house, where he was living last spring before the accident. The house is located on a beautiful lake and he looks forward to his visits there. His plan is to make a gradual transition with the intention of regaining total mobility and becoming independent again. He just returned from there and has established a support group of people to assist him when he visits there.
"The goal is to raise $10,000 by the first of the year; we have already raised $3,000 with $7,000 to go. I am asking for your help.
"Please consider making a donation of whatever amount you can to enable Buzz to reach his goals. Remember all of the great music Buzz has given to us over the years with that beautiful saxophone of his playing for The Escorts, The Jokers Wild, Ron Moody and The Centaurs and Steve Bassett. That music made us all get up and dance and realize that now it is our turn to help Buzz stand up and once again dance his own dance.
"Please send a check for whatever amount you can to “Give Love to Buzz” in care of Buzz’s daughter Shannon Montsinger at 206 Damascus Drive, Richmond, VA 23227. Also please share this letter with other friends who might want to help.
"If you have any questions you can all me or be sure to visit the GiveLoveToBuzz website. Thank you in advance for anything you can do and may God Bless you and your loved ones during this joyous Holiday Season."
-- Gene Chandler, 804-356-6570
Buzz with sax photo by SLANT. Photo of group by Artie Probst
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