Regular readers will recall us noting the unfortunate news that Butch Baldassari was diagnosed with cancer a month ago.

As we also mentioned in our previous post, the folks at Mandolin Cafe have set up a page where donations for Butch’s many expenses can be made. It’s a quick and easy process, using secure, PayPal processing.

He recently provided this hopeful update:

As some of you may know, I’ve been taking radiation and a pill-based form of chemo 5 days a week as of June 6. Last Wednesday, June 27 marked the halfway point… three weeks down, three weeks to go. Overall, I’ve been feeling quite good. My energy level was up and down for two weeks or so, but this week I felt very up in terms of energy. I’m also taking energy balancing treatment twice a week at an Integrative Health Care Center here in Nashville and got in another acupuncture session last Friday. When my treatment ends on July 18 I will be taking a closer look at some Alternative/Complementary therapies/treatments, which will may include high doses of Vitamin C in IV format, along with a prescribed round of focused supplements, along with more acupuncture and Chinese herbs. My outlook is that there are a lot of cancer survivors out there, and I plan on becoming one of them.

Butch has given those of us in the bluegrass and mandolin community a great deal over the years. If you have enjoyed his music, perhaps this is a fine chance to offer something in return.

Maske a donation online here.