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Double Bass Michael Brecker -- Seriously Ill

Sam Sherry

Sam Sherry

Inadvertent Microtonalist
Supporting Member
Sep 26, 2001
2,815
2,785
Portland, ME
#1
Media is reporting that Michael Brecker is seriously ill with myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder. He cancelled dates with Steps Ahead 2005 and appears doubtful for concerts with the Saxophone Summit Band.

Mr. Brecker is my hero for the skill, imagination, courage and passion which characterize his playing. He has fended off junk and long-term throat problems. He also has risen above lucre -- how many people can say that they abandoned a top-call studio-player's living to make the music they hear? His playing has had a profound effect on so many players, including me. I hope you'll join me in sending positive, healthful vibes his way.
 
#8
Just found this:

This info comes from Randy Brecker.

Michael is in hospital for a round of chemo and then a bone marrow transplant. Doctors remain optimistic and you can send cards or letters to Mike at the following address:

MICHAEL BRECKER
Room 1137
Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
 
#10
#12
Just got this from a friend

FROM: Susan Brecker
SUBJECT: Michael Brecker needs your help.

Dear Family and Friends,

My husband, Michael Brecker, has been diagnosed with MDS
(myelodysplastic syndrome), and its critical that he undergoes a stem cell transplant. The initial search for a donor (including Michael's siblings and children) has not yet resulted in a suitable match.
Michael's doctors have told us that we need to immediately explore ALL possible options. This involves getting as many people of a similar genetic background to be tested.

There are some important points to understand concerning this process:

1. The screening involves a blood test only. It can be done very quickly either at a marrow donation center or at a LOCAL LAB. The cost is anywhere from $40 to $75 and your insurance may cover it. (In NYC, you can call Frazier, at the NY Blood Bank, at 212-570-3441, and make an appointment for HLA typing. It costs $40.00.) Check with your local blood bank, or go to http://www.marrow.org to find the donor
center nearest you.

2. Your blood typing information can be posted on the international registry, if you choose, where it would also be available to others in need of a transplant. BEING ON THE REGISTRY DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO DONATE, it just means that you may be ASKED to do so. You can take your
name off the registry at any time.

3. Should you be selected as a potential donor for Michael, please understand that there have been tremendous advances in bone marrow transplants and the term itself can be misleading. Bone marrow donation is no more invasive than giving blood. Stem cells are simply harvested from your blood and then transplanted to Michael.

4. A match for Michael would be most likely to come from those of Eastern European Jewish descent. If you or anyone you know are in this category please make a special effort to immediately get tested. Ultimately, you would be doing something not just for Michael, but for so many more who
are in a similar situation as my husband.

5. You are now part of our internet-based drive for donor testing. If everyone who receives this can motivate a bunch of their friends to get tested, and those friends then forward this email to get their friends to get tested, we will have rapidly expanded the pool of potential donors. I urge all of you to get tested AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Any local blood center/Red Cross center can assist in organizing a drive for Michael, although it would be desirable if you can get a large group, e.g. a synagogue, to sponsor it. Should you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Michael's management office at 212.302.9200 or [email protected].

Thank you so much for your love and support.

We are so grateful.


Susan xo
 
#13
Thanks for posting that Ed. For anyone in the Hartford area, I found the New England Marrow Donor Program at 433 S. Main in West Hartford, phone is 800-676-4545.

I'm calling in a minute to see if I can do this pronto. I'm Jewish, but as I was adopted and not likely Eastern European, not a very likely match for Michael. But that doesn't mean I won't be a match for someone.
 
#14
Craig Garfinkel said:
Thanks for posting that Ed. For anyone in the Hartford area, I found the New England Marrow Donor Program at 433 S. Main in West Hartford, phone is 800-676-4545.

I'm calling in a minute to see if I can do this pronto. I'm Jewish, but as I was adopted and not likely Eastern European, not a very likely match for Michael. But that doesn't mean I won't be a match for someone.
Click to expand...
West Hartford would be a good place to start looking, actually. The town has an extremely large Jewish population. There are (I think) 11 synagogues here, in a town of 60,000 people.
 
#15
I gave bone marrow to my sister, but did not save her life. The procedure was painless as it's usually done under general anesthesia. The Dr took about a quart of marrow out of both my hips for they are the largest reservoir in the body for marrow. It's hard to sit down for a couple of days; an insignificant price to pay to save a life.
Let's hope Michael finds a donor!!!!
 
#16
It's a joy to pass along this report that Mr. Brecker returned to the stage this past weekend, performing a tune with Herbie Hancock in NYC.

There's even Invalid Link Removed for those who need to see.

Man, I would love to watch him play once more. Twenty more times would be even better!
 

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