Blind Pig recording artist Robin Rogers, who was admitted to the hospital on August 18th with serious liver problems, has now been diagnosed with liver cancer. She was hospitalized for complications caused by Hepatitis C, and a CT scan prior to surgery revealed an untreatable cancerous tumor on her liver. She is not a candidate for a liver transplant so she has been sent home for hospice care.
There has been a major outpouring of support and care since the announcement of the hospitalization by her husband Tony on Robin’s Facebook page. Announcements were made of the establishment of a Robin Rogers Medical Trust Fund to cover medical expenses.
However, while this fund will help with astronomical hospital and medical bills, it does not cover other expenses such as hospice care and and basic living expenses. Robin will not be able to return to the stage, and Tony, her musical partner, will be out of work for the foreseeable future. Like most musicians, Robin and Tony do not have health insurance and depend on touring income for their livelihood. Expenses for hospice care, medicine, and everyday living will be extremely high.
Fans who are interested in providing help directly to the family can donate by sending a check (made out to Tony Rogers) to: Robin Rogers c/o Piedmont Talent Agency, P.O. Box 680006, Charlotte, NC 28216. In addition, the Charlotte Blues Society has set up a PayPal account, with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Robin.
Fans can also help by purchasing CDs from her website: www.robinrogers.com. Benefits and fundraising efforts are also being organized, and fans can follow developments on a newly created Facebook page: Robin Rogers Benefit Central.
A benefit and silent auction being organized by producer Jim Brock and friend Scott Cable will be held at the Double Door Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 24. The day-long event will feature performances by Jim Brock, Bob Margolin, the Voodoo Brothers, WSNB, and special guest Sheila Carlisle. Tickets are $20. For further information on starting times or to donate items for the auction, please see the Facebook Benefit page referenced above. An earlier benefit will also be held at the Double Door, on September 26th, featuring the Cary Sims Trio, Part-Time Blues Band, House on Fire & Monday Night All -Stars.
Rogers is an accomplished singer and talented harmonica player who has emerged over the past few years as a major player in the blues world. Following the release of her national debut CD, Treat Me Right, she won the 2009 Blues Blast Award for "Best Female Artist." Her new CD, Back In The Fire, will be released on September 14.