Steve's fight w bladder cancer save Del Ray School of Music

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am writing on behalf of my husband Steve Attix and his business, the Del Ray School of Music, during a difficult time. As you may have heard Steve was diagnosed with T3 muscle-invasive bladder cancer in April. He is scheduled to begin MVAC, a chemotherapy combination, in July. Following chemotherapy, Steve will need surgery to remove his bladder. Steve is strong but the treatment will be difficult and there will be tremendous pressure on the business.

Steve is the owner of the Del Ray School of Music and the primary income provider for our household. He is strong and determined, but the reality is that his treatment may mean that he will be unable to teach as frequently as he has always done. That reduction in hours will mean a reduction in business income – putting financial pressure on the business and our family. We are asking that you consider helping us get through this challenging time and join our effort to keep DelRay School of Music operating in the heart of Del Ray by making a financial contribution to this GoFundMe effort.

For those of you who do not know Steve, I would call him the pied piper of Del Ray. I am sure everyone in this community knows Steve or knows one of the kids he taught. If you head to the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, look in the windows of the school and you will see Steve teaching a child to play guitar, piano, violin or many other instruments. If you are walking down the Avenue late one weeknight, you’ll see him working with adults in our community, playing with them in bands he helped form and promote. He is always there – teaching, instilling confidence and sharing his love of music.

Steve has been committed to promoting Del Ray since he founded the school 24 years ago. He along with another organizer, created the Del Ray Music Festival in the early 2000’s. Anytime anyone in our neighborhood has asked Steve to perform he has done his best to make it happen, or found someone equally as talented to do so.

During COVID Steve was the first music school in the area to shut his doors to stop the spread of COVID in our neighborhood and was quick to adapt to on-line private lessons and band sessions, using little-known software and hardware to reduce latency and improve the quality of the session. He knew that people need music to survive. Steve’s passion is teaching and helping shape the future musicians of the world.

Currently, I am working at YMCA, as the Aquatics Coordinator (swim instructor) and will continue to do so. Our medical benefits are through Y, and I have been blessed with a great leadership team, that are willing to work with Steve’s medical appointment schedule so that I can support him. This is extraordinarily helpful; however, DelRay School of Music is our lifeline, and Steve’s dream.

We are both uncomfortable asking for financial help but know that we need the support of our family, friends and community to get through this. These unexpected costs and losses will amount to more then $50,000. If you are willing to help, any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference. We are grateful for any help you can provide during this challenging time. I am asking you as my neighbors, friends and community, to show Steve our love and appreciation for his school.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Attix

DelRay School of Music

Steve playing at the Evening Star

Munchkin Rock Drum Circle!!

Steve and I on vacation 3 weeks before we learned he had bladder cancer- He loves the hiking, camping, the great outdoors.

Some of Steves youngest students ever

We love our school sign