'Chris Lacinak Benefit'

Our friend Chris Lacinak is battling Cancer. He has also sustained an injury that has left him partially paralyzed from nerve damage. The paralyzation is the most debilitating obstacle preventing him from working or even getting around.

He is currently receiving PT care in an effort to make him whole again. This will take some time - his activities are very limited. Prayers are most appreciated and needed. At this point it is unclear as to what the treatments will cost and what will be covered by insurance. Chris is seeking the advice from multiple medical professionals and is keeping an open mind and a positive heart about the whole thing. He is in need of living expenses for the next six months and as soon as he gets more information on what his options are, it will become easier to estimate the cost of treatments to help not only get rid of the cancer but also help with the pain.

Hi there, I'm Anthony - Chris and I go back almost 30 years. He was one of my teachers at The Drummers Collective in NYC back in 1994 and 1995. Chris was a teacher at The Drummers Collective for a decade (1991-2001). Chris is a professional musician, teacher and he's also the author of A Modern Approach to New Orleans "Second Line" Drumming. For those that aren't aware, Chris is a band leader and composer for JUNKO BEAT. He has toured and recorded for many artists.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/13: The immunotherapy medicine knocked the cancer back but there was a side effect. I am partially paralyzed on my left side. Trying to get me into rehap facility 24/7 for two weeks. Honestly it doesn't look good. In with docs now and hope to get better. Who knows at this point.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/16: I spoke to the 'hope for cancer' center that operates in Mexico. They use treatment that goes beyond US FDA approved treatments. More investigation needs to be done about them though and learn what success on my type of cancer. Not sure what direction to go in yet. They're expensive....$46,000 and not covered by insurance . That's for one year of continued treatments. Need to find out what other options are here after further evaluation next week. The immunotherapy side effect crippled me. I appreciate you so much for your concern! Honestly this is very difficult and I don't have much support. Love you!

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/18: I haven't told many people about it , especially the paralyzing of my left leg and left hand fingers and week left tricep . Working everyday to get stronger but is a very slow go. I see a neurologist Monday and may have a better understanding.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/19: So.. my situation looks like I may be down for awhile with the partial paralysis. It's been a month and not much improvement. Question is following that what cancer treatment can I get. Need to catch up with the oncologist on that. Still waiting on insurance to get into 24/7 pt. Changing to better Medicare insurance starting Jan 1. If nothing can be done here to address the cancer there are other holistic out of country options but it's in the $40,000 range.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/28: Happy to say I'm going into Pt rehab facility for two weeks starting tomorrow.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 11/29: I saw that we had some donations come through, Blessing!! I just checked into the north shore rehabilitation hospital. Insurance approved. Will be here for 2-3 weeks on lockdown. I hope some improvement will develop.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 12/1: So, I've been in PT hospital for 2 days. Finally got in. Getting good PT from pros. No progress yet but putting in the work and hoping for results. I can see it's going to take time and hard work. 24/7 lockdown for now.

UPDATE FROM ANTHONY ON 12/3: Big thanks to all who has donated so far.. please help us share this far and wide. Chris needs our help. I hope everyone is well.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 12/4: My left leg muscles have atrophied from hobbling around on a cane for weeks and has messed with my hip and has caused sever pain. I can see now that it is going to take a long time to recover...if ever. So far 4 days of PT and no progress.I love and miss all my friends as I lay here contemplating my life and the joyous relationships throughout my life that are missed.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 12/14: I am back home from 10 days of PT in a rehabilatation hospital. Not much progress but learned how to properly exercise and walk with a cane. It's going to take awhile. I am so appreciative of the support I am receiving from everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The contributions are allowing me to buy good food, supplies for other supportive things, acupuncture and bills I need to help me through this. They have helped me to catch up and not worry about finances while I'm not working. They're great, but knowing the support and prayers I'm getting from all are the best!

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 1/19: Again, thank you all for your kind support while I hopefully move to recovery. I haven't had much progress with the parilzation, only a slight notice of better strength. I'm working with PT, doctors, test, acupuncture visits and infusions. Keeping me quite busy and knocked down requiring rest. Thanks to your support I can get the treatments I need. Peace and love, Chris

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 1/30: Looks like I may be headed to the Mayo clinic in Minneapolis. Had to change insurance to what they will accept. It will cover 80% but I'll be on the hook for 20% up to 6000 +travel expenses. They decided I have peripheral neuropathy. Referred me to a Dr in Boston who has researched the relationship between immunotherapy and neuropathy. I hope I get seen by her. Doing a pet scan tomorrow to check the cancer. Will know outcome on soon when I see my oncologist. Also going to see Sister Dulcy. She is a healing nun that will pray for me along with her ministry.

UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON 2/11:

I wear out easily. Grateful I have a caring roommate and a comfortable place to stay. I've been referred to a Dr in Boston who focuses on my type of side effects. Waiting for an appointment. May have to fly up.

I told Chris that he shouldn't be suffering alone ... after all he has alot of friends, colleagues and former students that would probably be happy to help support him however they can. I told him that a gofundme page would be a great place to start ... please donate what you can and also share this with everyone you know.

Thank you for reading this... I will keep everyone updated as often as possible.