Ken Burkhart needs our help!

As Ken's best friend, longtime musical partner, and ex-wife I know this man better than anyone. He's so kind, creative, funny, positive, and one of the most giving people I've ever met, and he's now going through a tremendous challenge with such grace that it truly astounds me!

 

A few years ago he had back surgery and was told that he could no longer carry his beloved Hammond B3 organ around anymore. So he sold it and said "I can still play piano...so I'm good!" I was devastated, but he didn't miss a beat, literally, and just kept on playing. Occasionally he was even able to perform on the B3 at places like The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, FL because they had one in house. He was a monster B3 player!

 

Unfortunately, Ken is now having much more of a challenge. In the past couple of years his fingers began tingling and became painful. He was told he needed surgery or he'd lose all function in his right hand. He put off the surgery as long as possible while he kept playing, usually in pain. A few months ago he could no longer play at all. He then began focusing on his caricature art work, which he loves doing, and he continued to pay his bills that way.

 

This past month he finally had to have surgery on his right hand, and he's now in a cast that goes from his finger tips to above his elbow. His surgeon said it was the worst case she's ever worked on, and that her only goal now is to give him back some function in that hand. He'll be in that cast for months, and perhaps need more surgery on it, before they can ever even consider working on his left hand as well. So he can't drive, play piano, or do art work. Yet his spirits and outlook are truly inspiring to me, his daughter, and his medical team!

 

Ken is a veteran, so thankfully his surgery and most of his medical expenses are being taken care of by the VA. However, he still has rent, food, transportation to & from appointments, and other living expenses that he needs to cover for the next year or longer. We're not sure how long, as it all depends on his healing process. Therefore, I'm asking for your help for this amazingly talented man who has brought so much joy to us all over the years with his incredible music!

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Anything you can spare, no matter how small, is so very appreciated!

 

Blessings to you,

Deborah Paiva

 

PS: Enjoy this clip of another of Ken's fabulous solo's: