My beloved dad Gene was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in late December 2004 and underwent major surgery on the 30th. This page will keep friends and family updated on his progress. I am blessed to have a loving father who has always supported all my endeavors, musical and otherwise. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

December 5th, 2006 - Dad is recovering nicely from the October 30th hernia surgery. He's already driving and back to business as usual. He will see the surgeon tomorrow for a check-up.

Januray 26th, 2006 - Great news: Dad's colonoscopy was completely clear! No polyps or anything abnormal. Hooray! I'm looking forward to his visit in late February.

Januray 12th, 2006 - My sister and I enjoyed our first Christmas in many years with both parents together as Mom accompanied me up north this year. Dad's health was and is a gift to all of us. Other than the lingering effect of numbness in his extremities Dad is doing wonderfully. He goes in for a routine colonoscopy this morning (his first since surgery) and I will post results as soon as I get them.

September 6th, 2005 - I am very pleased to report that, aside from the lingering extremity numbness, Dad is enjoying life en route to a full recovery! He will have another colonscopy this winter to ensure everything is status quo and will continue with frequent checkups but he's basically back to normal. I am ecstatic!

August 6th, 2005 - Dad underwent the PET scan yesterday without event and will see the doctor Tuesday for the results, which will determine the next course of action in his treatment. I was truly amazed at how healthy he is when I visited last week. The only side affect 6 months of chemo dealt him is lingering numbness in his fingers; looking at him, if you didn't know he was sick you would not be able to tell at all. Our family is incredibly thankful to have him so close to 100% this quickly. Here's hoping for some good test results next week.

July 28th, 2005 - I am currently in Illinois visiting Dad and my sister's family. He finished his final chemo treatment last week and is in great shape. He will have a PET scan August 5th to assure that all cancer has been eliminated. He would like to thank all friends and family for their prayers and support.

May 16th, 2005 - Dad moved safely back to Illinois and has already completed one chemo treatment there. He starts another tomorrow and upon finishing it will only have 4 left. He is enjoying spending time with my sister and her family again, especially seeing Zach on a daily basis.

April. 21st, 2005 - Dad has completed 6 of his 12 chemo treatments and we are very blessed as he is faring far better than I could have ever imagined, especially with a stage 4 diagnosis. He is doing so well that, with the doctors' permission, he has decided to move back to Illinois to be near his grandson (my nephew), Zach, for the completion of his treatment. Though I am sad to see him go I understand. Zach is growing up fast; I am just thankful for Dad's amazing recovery thus far. He will fly north May 1st, but I will continue to update this page as I'll be talking with him daily.

Mar. 25th, 2005 - Sorry for the delay between updates. Over the past several weeks Dad not only completed more chemo treatments but was also diagnosed with and recovered from a blood clot in his left calf. He had to take shots of Levanox for a week and was placed on the blood thinner Coumadin, but thankfully has improved enough that he no longer needs the shots and his dosage of Coumadin was cut in half. He's also back to driving and doing everything else he enjoys--including coming to see me perform! I'm very happy to report that he and Mom were the first couple on the dance floor two Saturdays ago at Park Place. Thanks again to everyone for your continued support; I truly appreciate it and am very grateful.

Feb. 9th, 2005 - After experiencing some pain/trouble with the IV port in his chest the past few days, Dad recovered and was able to receive his first chemo treatment yesterday. He came home wearing the small portable time-release pump that will stay in place until lunchtime tomorrow when he returns to the doctor. This 3-day process will be repeated every 2 weeks for 6 months. Dad is holding up well and, as always, remains in good spirits.

Feb. 6th, 2005 - Approximately 5 weeks after surgery, Dad has made significant progress walking 3/4 mile around the neighborhood and driving for the first time after the operation. He begins chemotherapy Tuesday morning, and I will post another update later in the week on his status after the first treatment.