Dear Dan, I was informed of your illness in casual passing last evening ( 26th August, 2006 ). I was profoundly saddened that you were first diagnosed in 2004 and I have been blissfully unaware of your circumstance. I have found myself reflecting on my first album, Souvenirs, that I purchased at the age of 17. The year was 1979 and I remember looking at the cover and being captivated by the image looking back. You had the most beautiful face I had ever seen. I then proceeded to engage in a Dan Fogelberg feast, buying any music you had ever recorded, and continued to do so long into my adult years.
 
It is an absurd irony that you, a man who has composed and produced music and lyrics, assisting me in the transient feelings of isolation and alienation that living life at times encompasses,would be traveling a lonesome road only you can travel. No amount of comfort from those who love you deeply removes this reality. If depth of gratitude for allowing me into your internal world is able to influence an outcome in years, you my friend will live forever. Good luck Daniel and thank you for all you have given.~  Melissa, Australia.

Dear Dan, My family and I wish to express our thoughts and prayers are with you in fighting this battle.  I have been a fan for many years now and brought my husband in too.  Now our thirteen year old daughter has taken up the guitar and likes to try to play along with your music. Your lyrics and melodies have touched me in ways no other artist ever has.  I have been to almost every concert that you have played in St. Louis and no other group or single artist has ever given the heart and soul that you have.  Thank you for being warm and sincere and putting it all out there. Your devoted fans ~ Joe, Janet & Alayna Gillespie, Highland, Illinois

Hi Dan, I still think of you often.  I pray you make it through.  I missed your birthday this year as I was traveling in Montana - so belated happy birthday. I will continue to hope for the best for you and your family.  ~ Teri, Mill Valley California

Throughout my adult life Dan´s songs have brought me inspiration, have comforted me through bouts of broken heart, have given me faith to further seek love and have also caused me to wonder what joys and suffering inspired them. The world is, I believe, a richer place for having Dan´s talents. I sincerely wish him all the best. Regards ~ Alan Anderson, Blantyre, Malawi (Central Africa)

Hi Dan, I just learned of your battle with cancer today and want to let you know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you each day. Anyway, I cannot begin to tell you how much your music has touched my life since I was 18 years old and heard "Dancing Shoes" for the first time.  I thought it was the most beautiful and tender love song I had ever heard...and still do.   My best friend won the "Miss Druid Hills" contest that year by putting on her ballet shoes and mesmerizing the audience with her interpretation of that song!   The first time I heard "Souvenirs", while living in Colo. Springs,  tears instantly came to my eyes when you sang the last sentence of that song.  I was touched by the true rawness of the emotion and could identify with it.   "As the Raven Flies" and "Crow" are two more personal favorites from your earlier work. Your music has been a source of strength during tough times following a knifepoint attack in Aspen while jogging in 1979.

Please know that the work and passion you have put into your music over the years matters to total strangers like myself.
"Phoenix" was my theme song in the 3 tough years following the attack in Aspen that slapped a naive 18 year old girl into realizing how precious each second of life is. That song gave me hope and motivated me to regain my inner strength and pursue life's passion each day.  After starting and selling 3 businesses over the years, I can't say that the "Power of Gold" has been a bad thing in my life (joke) ...but I want you to know that your life matters to many people like myself who have found strength, beauty, and hope in your music throughout the years. Thanks Dan. Love and prayers ~ Marybeth 

Dan and Jean, Just a note to let you know how much your songs have meant to so many fans of '80s music.  We play "Missing You" every so often on "Saturday  Night '80s," which is heard on over 75 radio stations each weekend across  America, and also on Armed Forces Radio around the world.   We truly  are missing you on tour, and send a lot of love, prayers and thoughts for you  both.  May the powerful healing hands of God make you stronger and better  very soon! With the deepest love and regards ~ Todd  Michaels, Host, "Saturday Night '80s" show

Dan, I wish you a belated happy birthday, but even more I send you good thoughts and many prayers in your recovery.   You have given us all so much with your special talent and songwriting through the years. I know I have been truly blessed to have found your music and see you perform.  I feel for all the good you have done, this has to come back to you in so many ways.  I wish you and your family many more years ahead together.   Much love and peace ~  Suzanne, Carlisle, PA

Dear Dan, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I hope you are doing better and that you are regaining your strength.  As I listened to your songs when I clicked on your website, I was flooded with memories of summer nights, snuggled in a blanket, listening to you perform under the stars at Park West (now "The Canyons") and Deer Valley.  If you're in Utah, we try to make it to your concert.  Your music is a staple in my life. My kids grew up with your songs in the background.  You've provided the soundtrack to my life.  Thank you... It's been a joy to have your music with me throughout the journey.  I hope you are doing well.  Life can change so quickly, suddenly all plans change and surviving cancer becomes the only important focus.  In my last email I wrote of a cancer foundation I'm volunteering for, that lets people write their story for free.  I've had the opportunity to read many of these stories, and surprisingly, not one person would trade their experience.  They all said that what they gained from going through the experience was far greater than what they suffered.  It makes me appreciate how valiant the human spirit is, and how powerful our ability to overcome the obstacles in our life really is. 
 I pray that your life is happy and that you can overcome this obstacle.  I hope this unexpected journey enhances all of your gifts and talents and that what you gain, outweighs what you've endured.  Be well my friend.  Remember you are loved and in many thoughts and prayers. Sincerely ~  Lora Draper

Dear Mr Fogelberg, I have followed your career since I first heard you during my High school time  1973-1976.  Of course I had a huge crush on you and strange enough we had a Sophomore, when I was a Freshman, who really looked like you when your hair was longer.  When I heard you were ill, it saddened me greatly. In my family I have lost three, Dad, Mom and Sister and my Brother is 4 yrs well from cancer.  He used a product called "Immuncal" and he swears by it. I realize you've probably has many "cures" thrown your way, but it really helped him.  Please know I hope the very best for you and your family and that you will also make it thru this strained time. Thank-you for your beautiful and moving music thru the years, especially those song about the mountains of which my husband and I hope to live in one day in Montana.  My very best to you.  Hang on!!!!!! Most Sincerely ~ Kathleen Guernsey

Dan, I just wanted to wish you the best.  Your music has meant a lot  to me over the years...The first song of yours I heard was "Part of the Plan"  and I've loved your music ever since.  Hang in there. ~ Michelle from Torrance, CA

Dan,  May you come through this trial. I would just like to say how much your music has meant to me over many many years, you truly are "The Living Legacy". My thoughts are with you. ~ Kevin,  Worcester, England.

Thank you Dan for all the wonderful moments we've enjoyed listening to your music. It has been truly awe inspiring to listen and immerse myself in your compositions and productions. I look forward to Christmas each year because
I get to hear "Same Old Lang Syne" on the radio. It just kind of 'makes Christmas more Christmassy! You and your wife are in my and my wife's prayers and hopefully we'll get to hear more great music from you in the future. ~ Mike Allgeier - Memphis, TN

Dan, Just a note to wish you the best as you continue your recovery.  Your music has been a big part of my life
since 1975, when I was a rookie teacher in Kansas City.  Both my kids (18 and 22) are big fans as well. Even today, I sing "Wysteria" every time I see the Wysteria plant in my back yard and my wife often breaks out singing,"there's a ring around the moon tonight..." From an Illinois boy (I spent a year at U of I in 1970-71), best wishes. Sincerely ~ Doug Mack - Flora, IL

I heard the song "Leader Of The Band " the other day and was again transfixed by the beautiful lyrics and music coming out of my radio speakers.  Dan, you have a true gift and I wish you the best and keep you in my prayers always! Sincerely ~ Claudia

Dan, I thought of something this morning as I was listening to High Country Snows in my car on the way to work. "The Higher You Climb" was playing when it hit me.  The way you put your heart and soul into the songs you sing for us is kind of like the way we're all putting our heart and soul into the prayers we're offering up for you.  The love
that so many of us have for you and for the music that you so magically created over the years is so evident in reading the messages on the wishes page.  I hope that you are able to read these messages and that you can feel this love.  You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers and your music will continue to be a part of my life on a daily basis.  Wishing, hoping and praying that we hear some good news soon. Be well, my friend.

Dan, I've been listening to your Greatest Hits and reliving my old memories.  As a horse racing fan your "Run For the Roses" brought a Barbaro inspired mist to my eyes.  Thank you for the beautiful sounds. I anticipate each Christmas season as I play your disc. God bless you on the continuing journey to recovery and health.  I'm "wishing on the moon tonight". ~ Joe C.

Hi Dan, I wanted to thank you for your music. The message you send out over the waves are needing to be heard. Spiritually you really touch me. Thank you so much for that.!! You may already know about the Gerson approach but I mention it anyway.There is a website you can check out by doing a google search for it. It's worth checking out!!!. We really love you. There are miracles everyday right.   I am sending you strong healing prayers. ~ With light, Sara & Dave Wardamasky

Only just found out about what's going on with you. Keep going and keep strong. I first heard your music in the early 1980's when I was living in Canada for a couple of years, and I brought as many tapes as I could find home with me (I live in U.K.). It seems that your music has always been there for me, and has found ways to express in words and music emotions that I've felt throughout my life. I even went out and brought a Batman comic because the story, 'Haven', was inspired by Nether Lands. Thanks for the inner peace that your music always gives me and I look forward to much, much more. ~ Kieran. Swansea Wales

Dan, I just wanted to wish you all the best in this fight for life. You and your music have meant a great deal to some of us. You´ve always been able to put into words what we feel and wish we could tell others. You were in Johnson City, TN a few years ago and I was on the front row right in the middle. It was probably a thrill of a lifetime for me to be so close to the music. I think I sang along with EVERY song! Hope I didn´t freak you out (my husband has asked me repeatedly NOT to sing in the shower!) Anyway, it was wonderful and I so enjoyed it. I´ll keep my fingers crossed that perhaps, one day you might return. Until then, just stay positive and know you are forever in our hearts! Thanks again for all you´ve given us through the years! A huge fan ~ Ann Cassel

For Dan, Happy 55th Birthday!  Think of you often and enjoy your music daily in my life.   Your music is truly one of the greatest treasures I have in this world.  I look forward to the day when you return to the concert stage. God Bless you and your family ~ Debbie

Another man-fan of Dan.  Praying for your comfort and peace. You have touched many to feel our emotions through your lyrics.  Saw you in Lake County, CA at Konocti Harbor Inn a few years ago and it was personal and special. God be with you ~ Bob Pedersen

Dear Dan, Can another year have passed already?  No matter --- our favorite troubadour is still with us.  Belated happy birthday to a star on whose light I have often depended, as have so many.  Thanks for everything, Daniel...especially for staying down here with us for another trip 'round the sun.  How 'bout another and another, and as many more as you'd like? Bless you ~  Dean Brehio & Rahamim Mazzal

Hi Dan, I just learned of your challenging health condition and wanted to add my prayers to the many others who are joined in support of you and your family. Like so many of your fans, your music has meant so much to me throughout my
life, particularly during my formative years.  I've shared your music with my wife, family, and friends so they may also surrender to the beauty of your talents and soul. I can't even begin to offer up a favorite composition as I see your body of
work as a whole that cannot be broken down and compared against itself. With as much solace, strength, hope, and inspiration as you have provided to others, I truly believe these gifts will be returned to you many times over and this outpouring of love will help to restore you to good health. Stay strong, laugh as often as possible, and keep fighting brother!
God Bless You ~ Steve Mentzer

Dear Dan, Belated birthday wishes to you. I hope the day was special for you and found you in continued improved health, good spirits and fine company. Through a friend of a friend of ,ultimately, a complete stranger, I came into possession
of an autographed album of yours, The Innocent Age. I¹ve always loved it. I, it must be said, have lived in a culturally deprived age, since I never got to see you in concert and the signature comes to me circuitously. However, I had the album framed and it hangs in my office where I try to do creative things. It is a reminder of your amazing creative genius and inspires me daily. And each time I glance at it, I also send a good wish your way for the daily courage and vigilance and faith you must continue to have. (Many who have come to visit my space have looked at the album and exclaimed, "Dan Fogelberg! I love his music.") I also have a multi-CD player and one slot is the "Dan reserved" slot. Nothing is ever played in it other than you. Since I¹ve re-purchased all your albums on CD, I am never at a loss. Your music entertains me, uplifts me, touches my heart, and speaks to my soul. I wouldn¹t spend a day without it. THANK YOU FOR THAT! Know that I am with you daily too. Thinking of you & Jean, and sending all good wishes, thoughts and prayers. Love ~ Doris

Even though I've never met you, your music is a big part of my life.  My favorites are "Same Old Lang Syne" and "Leader of the Band." You are truly one of a kind and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for many great songs. ~ Mary-Georgia

Dan - I heard about the challenges you're now facing and decided to send you a note to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers and to thank you as well for the positive influence your music and your example has had on my
life. I started listening to your music back in 1974 when I first heard "Part of the Plan."  I was a freshman at the Air Force Academy and had been playing guitar for about a year.  I bought your Souvenirs album and listened to it about a thousand times.  I explained to each of my roommates at the Academy that Dan Fogelberg was mandatory listening and they never regretted it.  I bought nearly all your albums and learned a great number of your songs on guitar.  I can't tell you how much I improved as a guitarist over the years because of your music.  I'm sure you've heard this over and over again, but simply put, your music touched my life and I deeply admire you as a person, a songwriter, and an awesome performer.

I'm now 51 years old with a wonderful family which includes my wife of 28 years (Anna Marie), our son Joe III (a fire fighter and an awesome guitarist to boot) and our daughter Pam (now in her fourth year of medical school). I've stayed with the Air Force for over 28 years now and I'm humbled to tell you that last year I was promoted to Brigadier General.  I've also stayed
true to the guitar and now own five (Martin HD-35, Martin D12-28, Martin 000-28EC, and two Gibson J-45s).  The one guitar currently missing from my arsenal is the Martin D-41DF, but someday I will remedy this shortfall. I would be nothing without the love and support of my family and friends, but I can honestly tell you music has also had an enormous influence on my
life.  It has helped me through some very dark times, brought me a great deal of happiness, and helped me meet life's many challenges.  Your part in all of this was HUGE.

I want to thank you, Dan, for all you've given to me and the millions of other people who love your music.  I would think your legacy will be one which would make anyone very proud and honored to pass along to the generations to come.  I wish you the very best and please know I will pray for you in hopes that God will give you peace and strength in dealing with the challenges ahead.   I ensure, during every one of my yearly flight physicals, that I get a digital exam and fully discuss my PSA results.  Thanks for stressing this. I know it will save many lives. Sincerely ~ Joe Mudd

Oh, Dan, as I write, light candles, pray and play your music, I am constantly reminded what an enormous part you and your music have played in my life. Each and every morning I begin the day listening to "To the Morning" and saying a prayer. When my own time comes, I have requested a morning service with the song playing. Your music has opened my heart, quelled grief and heightened pleasures for the majority of my 52 years. Do you remember the show, way back, at Wesley Hall at Yale in New Haven, CT. A request for no smoking was made due to the age and timber construction of the building, but when you sang Gambler and hit  Let it Shine, not one hand was without a shining lighter! Prayers for you and Jean are many. May the two of you feel my enduring love and Blessed be, always ~ Vicki Michaud in Cumberland, Maine

Dan, just another brief note to reassure you that I continue to remember you and your family daily in my prayers..that you would be granted a complete and swift recovery. Your music has transformed and guided me over three decades. In my mind, no artist before, during, or since comes close to transforming souls as has yours. Take good care, my friend. Do what you must in this battle. I will keep up the spiritual fight in your behalf. Sincerely ~ Greg Tuttle, M. D., Chapel Hill/Durham

Hey Dan. You of course do not know me but I'm a huge fan. Many a rainy day I have sat inside listening to your music, singing along thinking I sounded good harmonizing with you.You, my friend , have written some of the most beautiful lyrics ever. It is my hope today that you are feeling well and are recovering from whatever treatment you have chosen. I have had several loved ones going through the whole cancer scenario and I know the ups and downs. We all really have just the day or just the moment,because life is fragile beyond words. As I sit in the Alaskan rain , I send my love and prayers to you and your family. Take care and keep writing. I just got off the Gordon Lighfoot web site and he was just through an ordeal with an aortic aneurysm. As a nurse I know not too many people survive this, particularly when they burst, as his did.  He said writing got him through the worst of times and kept him focused off himself. Plus he was able to express himself through the written word when the spoken word is often hard to articulate at times such as these.You probably already know this and feel this but ... thought it might help. Take care, go for walks, breathe fresh air and enjoy each and every moment. Love and peace. ~ Kyle from Anchorage

I guess it was Christmas of 1974 when I went shopping with my friend and her mother.  Her brother had put a Dan Fogelberg album on his Christmas list.  We said, "Who?"  He got the album for Christmas and my friend and I listened to it over and over.  We knew who Dan Fogelberg was then!!!  I have been a huge fan ever since.  You have made such beautiful music and I hope you will again.  I think my favorite song is "Run for the Roses."  But I have yet to hear a Dan Fogelberg song that I didn't love. I pray for your complete recovery and hope it comes very soon.  You have inspired so many people with your music.  You don't deserve to be sick.  ~ Nancy DeSimone

Dearest Dan, I wish you a very happy belated birthday! I really miss seeing and especially hearing you in concert. The summers aren't the same with out the excitement, awe, peace, tranquility, and down right fun of a Dan Fogelberg concert. I have see at least 6 concerts this summer attempting to make up for not seeing you. It has been fun, but not quite the same at all! I am wishing you well and praying for you just about daily! You are sorely missed at all the venues and your fans are very concerned for your health and well being. May you experience God's deepest Peace, now and always! ~ Laura Boughner,
Richmond

Dear Dan-  Your music is beautiful.  So are you.  Keep the faith and be strong. Sincerely ~ Trang