Support for Graham Pressley & Sam Petry

My name is Orval Osborne and I am Sam’s stepfather; my wife, Carolyn Price, is Sam’s mother. Sam & Graham are beloved family to me, and I would like to ask for your support in helping them.

Graham was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in June 2021. Most recently, they learned that his cancer has come back and spread, officially qualifying as stage IV metastatic disease. To read a detailed summary of Graham’s medical diagnosis up until the current moment, please see Graham’s page on CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/graham3

Carolyn and I are asking for support from friends and family (if we could take care of it all ourselves, we would do so in a heartbeat) for Graham and Sam to cover their basic expenses at this time, along with help for treatment that is not covered by his insurance. Graham has been unable to work pretty much since his esophagectomy last July (‘21), and now Sam has had to put her business, Lazy Susan, on indefinite hiatus in order to attend to Graham’s growing daily needs. Graham and Sam are very frugal human beings. They think that a goal of $10k over the next six months will give them the ability to focus on this next round of brutal treatments, and to best face the possibility, perhaps probability, that it will not be enough to save his life. They are encouraging those of you who can to make your support in small monthly increments, preferably to Sam directly. (As anyone who knows Graham will attest, he’ll insist he has little need for money, and has for many years relied on Sam and friends to get by on the periphery, being essentially a modern day “Bohemian” and proud of it). You may send support to Sam directly through:

Venmo: @goneresidency

Zelle: [email redacted]

Donations given through GoFundMe take 2.9% of each donation plus $0.30 per transaction - in other words, similar to a credit card (a thing Graham wants you to know he has never owned) processing fee. So while they appreciate GoFundMe as a useful platform for getting people like them help when in need, I encourage you to support Graham & Sam directly, although all donations are deeply and humbly appreciated.

As well, if you wish to contribute your words, you can post “Well Wishes” on CaringBridge, or send email to [email redacted] or [email redacted] (not all emails will be answered).

Sam and Graham have been quietly supporting the Santa Barbara (and Ventura) arts community for years - rarely seeking remuneration for giving their time, resources, and expertise to a wide range of creative projects, which have included many innovative programs (Short Edition short story dispenser, MOXI shows, Arts Fund exhibitions, individual artists’ development, etc.) that have benefited the city and beyond in a substantive way, impacting thousands. It is important that we give our help to such committed supporters of creativity in this community in their time of need. Those of us who know Graham and Sam know they are extraordinary people, friends, colleagues, and family members. They need us now. Please help as you are able. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who can help.