Help Rayse Biggs While He Recovers

Never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would be starting a Medical GoFundMe for Rayse Biggs—one of the healthiest people we know. But here we are, and your help is needed!

For decades, Rayse Biggs has touched countless people with his music, unselfishly sharing his gifts not only as a performer, but also as an arranger, producer, engineer, and most importantly, an educator. Now he needs that unselfish energy returned. Approximately five weeks ago, Trumpeter Rayse Biggs, beloved member of the Detroit music community and Detroit’s jazz legacy for over 40 years, was taken to Emergency and subsequently admitted to the hospital. Rayse was suffering from acute renal failure and severe digestive system problems that were affecting his body’s ability to absorb the nutrients it needs, essentially causing him to suffer from malnutrition—hence the weight loss and the impact on his memory so many in the Jazz Community had noticed/wondered.

As many of you know, Rayse doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, has been a vegetarian for over 40 years, and spent a good part of his adult life in the gym weight training. However, over the past 18-24 months, Rayse kept going from doctor’s visit to doctor’s visit, trying to get a viable explanation for his steady, but unintentional weight loss of 42lbs. Despite his concerns, he kept getting explanations like “you're a vegetarian," and "you're aging,” or “you're no longer weight training and you're naturally a little guy,” or “you need to eat more,” and “you need to eat more protein,” or “you need to eat more carbs," and "you need to eat more legumes,” ...all of which he was already doing. If you know Rayse, then you know not only can he eat, but he has a sweet tooth that would make the Tooth Fairy cringe.

After an extensive hospital stay (approximately 4 weeks) and surgical intervention, Rayse is finally home. Now #RayseBiggsNeedsYourHelp with medical and non-medical expenses while he recuperates over the next 4-5 months, attends therapy, and rebuilds the strength necessary to resume earning his living through his love of playing and sharing his musical gifts.

While all of this has severely sapped Rayse’s strength and energy, his spirit is still strong, and with your help, he is confident all those decades of healthy living will not be in vain. Rayse anticipates a full recovery and looks forward to taking the stage again real soon, sporting both horns, at a gig near you!

Thanks you in advance!

Peace, Love & Music...Rayse