To my Square Dance family:
It is with sadness, but with hope, that I write this letter. Some of you know I have had difficulty breathing for several months, and we thought it was diagnosed and being treated well. Unfortunately, in an unrelated test in mid-May, it was discovered that I have a rare form of cancer that is very aggressive. By the time it was found, it was already inoperable. I have explored treatment options, and they are limited. I began treatment at MD Anderson last week, and we will see how things progress.
My physical condition has regressed to the point where I can no longer travel to dances more than a few minutes from my home. Because I live so close to Hey Lollies, and also to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, I will continue to call the Hey Lollies lessons, and my Tuesday night First Tuesday series, as well as the Tuesday Advanced dances I do, health permitting. I do ask that while I am receiving treatments, dancers refrain from hugging or approaching too closely – I will miss the hugs and contact, but it’s better for me at this point.
I will not be accepting new calling opportunities in the foreseeable future. Because I will still be in treatment, I will miss TEXPACC this year, but we have a very fine caller from California, Michael Kellogg, who will substitute for me this year. I will also miss the Rockport Advanced weekend in November, but Darryl Lipscomb has agreed to cover that weekend – stay tuned for more details. The February Appelt’s Hill Advanced weekend will remain as scheduled, health permitting.
I am so appreciative of the support you have given me over the years, and the opportunity to meet so many good people.
Your prayers and positive thoughts will be appreciated as I move forward.
Tim
Oct 2024