Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/01/2020 - 12/31/2020
All Day
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I’ve known Seattle guitarist, Paul Sawyer, for over twenty years. As a jazz vocalist, I most often made my first call to Paul when I needed an accompanist. We played many gigs together over the years, and became good friends. Paul is a solid musician, teacher and composer, and a tremendous asset to local music community. He’s also a smart, funny and delightful man. I hope to rally support for Paul during this challenging time.
Paul has been facing significant health problems for the past few years, largely related to serious spine and neurological issues. An MRI scan detected scoliosis, spinal stenosis, sciatica as well as several slipped discs and compressed nerves. He was also diagnosed with damage to the ulnar nerves, causing neuropathy in both hands, necessitating a break from playing and teaching guitar.
A serious fall in May 2019 resulted in a four day stay at Northwest Hospital. The fall severely exacerbated his spine and hand problems, and Paul was sent to the Park Ridge Care Center for rehabilitation and physical therapy, where he stayed for nearly three months. Insurance covered the first two weeks of his stay, but after that Paul’s co-pay was over $1200 per week.
Shortly after leaving Park Ridge, a severe case of food poisoning resulted in a six day stay at Swedish Hospital in Ballard.
The combined cost of two hospital stays, the extended time at Park Ridge Care Center, medical tests and four ambulance rides has been a severe drain on Paul’s finances, and there are still many outstanding bills. He continues to make monthly payments, but it could take years to pay off the balance.
Please consider donating to help Paul pay off his medical bills and cover some basic living expenses, while he is in the process of recovering and unable to work.
Fundraising Organizer: Barbara Muller in Seattle, WA