Greetings, friends and fans of Tony Gilkyson

photo by Markus Cuff

As some of you know, Tony has been dealing with a mystery illness that so far has not been identifiable within the realm of western medicine. This site has been constructed for those who are concerned with Tony’s ongoing health issues and who would like to support him in whatever way they choose.

Over the past three years he has run batteries of tests, blood work, MRIs and CT scans to no avail.  He has dropped an alarming amount of weight and is dealing with many debilitating symptoms, from intestinal disorders and exhaustion to thyroid and endocrine imbalances, not to mention the added stress on his psyche and his family’s sense of peace and security.

Tony does have health insurance, but his HMO doctors have not been able to identify the cause of his illness, and they’ve pretty much told him they’re out of ideas.  They also have been reluctant to authorize his going out of network, which means he has been paying out of his own pocket to see specialists in endocrinology, gastroenterology and more.

In addition, Tony has seen some of the most respected alternative doctors in the country, and there does seem to be a general consensus that he has a kind of “wasting disease” that has migrated from his intestines into his blood stream where it is causing a deeper level of damage. He has tried a variety of diets and herbal regimes and he is stubbornly determined to heal his body, mind and spirit – whatever is required to get his beautiful life back on track.

All of us in the family are impressed with his endurance, his open mind, his patience, and his determination to beat this thing. We know that he will find his way back to health, armed with the new perspective this illness has brought him.

Many of his friends and acquaintances have asked what they can do to help, so we have set up this site where people can make a donation, keep up to date on his health, or just wish him well.  Tony’s out-of-pocket medical costs are ongoing, and he is not going to be able to get back to twanging and singing until he gets his strength back.  Any help to get him there is deeply appreciated.  We all look forward to the day when he is playing his guitar, hiking the mountains, fishing the rivers and doing all the things that bring joy to his life.

Thank you for your concern and for your help.

Best wishes,
The Gilkyson-Olivares-Latin-Gilliland-Castillo-French Family