Help violinist CHARLES WETHERBEE'S family

Violinist Charles Wetherbee, or Chas, as we call him, beloved husband of Karina Wetherbee and devoted father of three exceptional children, concertmaster, chamber music collaborator, professor, neighbor, and friend, has captivated us all with his versatile and compelling artistry on the concert stage and charmed us with his passionate and sparkling personality over the decades.

Some of you might have known Charles and Kari from when they first met in Summit County, Colorado. Some of you may know Chas and Kari from their time in the Washington DC area while he was the Principal 2nd Violin in the National Symphony Orchestra and a frequent soloist and chamber music partner.

Others may remember them from their years in Columbus, Ohio, when Chas was concertmaster of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, first violinist of the Carpe Diem String Quartet, and a collaborator in multiple ensembles in Central Ohio.

Some of you may have taught their children in Ohio. Some of you may have studied violin or chamber music with Chas, privately, or at one of many festivals and masterclasses. And recently, many of you have come to know him as Associate Professor of Violin at CU Boulder and concertmaster of the Boulder Philharmonic.

You may have admired Karina’s beautiful photos and paintings of nature, animals, people and, if you are fortunate, may even have some of them in your own homes.

Charles and Karina have enriched the lives of all who know them through their generosity, talents and friendship.

THE WETHERBEE FAMILY NEEDS OUR HELP

After an initial diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and subsequent surgery in 2018, Chas hopped right back into his performing and teaching without missing a beat. In early 2021 it was discovered that the cancer had returned and metastasized. He began radiation treatments targeting areas on his bones and various treatment protocols for internal organs. Chas, in true Chas fashion, immediately returned to the concert stage, performing, coaching, and teaching, with most people none the wiser about his health.

In the spring of 2022, Chas powered through two neck surgeries to replace a fractured vertebra made fragile due to cancer, yet still returned to a full schedule of teaching and performing during the summer and into the fall.

In recent weeks, Chas’ cancer has progressed to the point where he cannot teach or perform.

He has just been released from hospitalization and is now receiving comfort care at home.

Charles is the main provider for his family of five, and the family currently faces financial uncertainty. Healthcare costs are mounting and are well beyond what insurance can cover. Other family insurance is not sufficient to meet new and expected expenses that are quickly climbing. We all know that medical and home health care costs are astronomical and that the loss of income is not sustainable.

Chas and Kari have agreed to let us share their story and these images. They would greatly appreciate any financial assistance you can offer.

Join me in helping Chas, Kari and their family during this difficult time.

Please donate as much as possible, and share their story with your friends.