Patti Kusturok - Medical Assistance Fund

Please take a moment to read this message regarding our friend and master fiddler Patti Kusturok. 

On January 24th Patti slipped and fell which resulted in a severely broken right arm. She was transported by ambulance to the hospital where they performed X-rays, which revealed a complete fracture to her humerus. An orthopedic surgeon came to her room to tell Patti and her husband Brad Freeman about the break and also said that several spots could be signs of cancer and that they needed to do a CT scan. 

What they found was not good news.... the CT scan revealed cancerous lesions in her arm, rib, collarbone, a vertebrae, and skull. Patti's next move will be to see her regular doctor back home in Winnipeg, Manitoba and come up with a strategy.

The surgeon told her that breaking her arm was probably the best thing that could have happened - otherwise, she would not have a reason for the X-rays.

On top of the shock of Patti and her family receiving this news is the coming financial burden. Most of us who love traditional music and have had the good fortune to actually make a living doing what we love understand that while you can get rich from the many wonderful experiences, students, friendships and accomplishments, most don't get rich monetarily. Patti has earned a good living, but the unavoidable loss of work - plus unforeseen medical needs on the journey ahead will only add to the financial burden and stress they will face now and in the future. 

Patti is a giver and has enthusiastically shared her time helping others. She has stepped up many times sharing her talent and offering assistance in any way she can. She has given FREE OF CHARGE to anyone interested HUNDREDS of traditional fiddle tunes on her Youtube channel. In 2015 and 2019 Patti played a different tune every day of the year! That means taking the time each day for an entire year to record and upload 365 different fiddle tunes for all of us to enjoy and learn from and was in the process of doing it again for 2023 until her fall. She performs frequently across Canada and teaches at several workshops and music camps each summer. Additionally, Patti is much in demand in Canada and the United States as a fiddle contest judge and was kind enough to help judge our 2022 Bob Wills Fiddle Contest in Greenville, Texas.

In her competition days, Patti was mighty tough to beat! She was the first woman in the history of Canada to win the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship (1994) and went on to win that championship 3 years in a row (and was the very first winner from Western Canada). She also won the Grand North American championship 3 times, as well as over 100 other championship wins starting when she was a teenager. Patti's son Alex Kusturok is a champion fiddle player and definitely her pride and joy. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

And on a personal note, Patti is one of me and Sherry's absolute favorite fiddle players!!

Now it's time for us to give back. I've seen many times the generosity of the fiddle community and music fans, so friend and fiddler/composer extraordinaire Calvin Vollrath from St. Paul, Alberta are organizing this campaign. ALL proceeds will go to Patti, so if you feel led to help, this is a great way to do it! For residents outside of Canada, when you enter the amount you'd like to donate it is automatically set to Canadian currency, so you'll be charged the equivalent of that amount in your currency.

Any amount is greatly appreciated whether it be a few dollars or you have the means to contribute a larger amount. If you are unable to assist monetarily your prayers, thoughts, and messages of encouragement are also greatly appreciated.

We all believe that Patti will win this battle!! She is looking forward to developing a game plan with her doctors and putting it in high gear. She is super determined and when Patti is determined mountains get moved! Your assistance will be a huge help and offer valuable peace of mind. So let's join together to help Patti as she negotiates the road ahead and beats the hell out of cancer!

Joey