John Buford begins his fight TODAY 09-11-2023

IN THIS STORY-THE PRINCE FINDS HIS PRINCE-AND THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER…like forever!

My very dear friend John and his husband Carl whom I have been blessed to call ‘friends’ for over 30 years, received some unsettling news this week. John has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The key word is ‘acute’.

And breathe…

Trust me…it gets happier from here.

I have always LOVED Fairy Tales, except for the one where that evil witch tries to cook those chubby kids in the oven-SCARRED FOR LIFE. Thanks Mom!

I mean, even Little Red Riding Hood was pushing it. I was a sensitive child.

But my favourite one of all is the story of John Buford & Carl Curnutte.

About 31 years ago, we were all studying at Morehead State University in Kentucky. I was in the Theatre program; John was doing Music and Carl was one of the best costume designers and directors around.

On one Autumn evening, I decided to throw a ‘theatre party’ after rehearsals and invited Carl who exclaimed ‘I’m only coming if you let me invite the cute piano player’. We were working on ANYTHING GOES and John was the Musical Director. In case anyone is wondering what role I played….I was THE LEAD! (Billy Crocker). He invited him, he came and the rest is history.

Not one of us could ever imagine that on that very night, that the planets would align, Tinkerbell would swoop in to sprinkle her fairy dust, and a host of angels would sing ‘My Guy’ from Sister Act! (in the original key)

I’m not going to tell you a bunch of wonderful things about the pair of them because…there’s just too much to tell. Besides being pillars in their community, they are two of the most loyal friends you could EVER ask for. If you know John and Carl-you are not a stranger.

John has spent his life in love with music and has been working as a Music Teacher at First Flight Middle School and High School in North Carolina. His husband Carl is currently at his side as we speak, holding his hand as he has his first dose of chemotherapy today. We had an early morning video call and his spirits are high.

I am about three thousand miles away and wanted to do something to help John & Carl with their looming medical bills which will run into an amount that’s not even worth mentioning.

Times are tough for everyone all over the world and it is hard to ask.

If you are able, and even if it’s one dollar, one pound or even just a little prayer or thought sent John’s way, it would be appreciated. So very appreciated more than you could imagine.

One of my favourite lines from a show that will forever resonate in my heart reminds me of their love-

“To love another person, is to see the face of God”-Herbert Kretzmer, Les Miserables

John & Carl-you guys have got this! I remember you promising to show John the world and you have, but there’s a lot more to be seen.

Friends forever and ever,

Daniel & Edward xoxo