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Prostate Cancer Foundation



Lights Of Healing


Let it shine...



September 1-8, 2007

Hello Dan. I found your website today and a shock ran through my body when I heard of your health concerns. I wanted to thank you for creating such beautiful music. Your songs belong amongst my very private collection that I play in those special appropriate moments. I can still remember where I was when I heard "Same Old Lang Syne", driving in the car in Australia. A thousand tingles ran through my spine and when the sax started up at the end it was emblazoned into my memory. Having recently supported my wife through breast cancer treatment, I can certainly feel empathy for you and your loved ones. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Be strong. The mind is a powerful thing and has the keys to turn around those mutant cells if only we can find a consistent method of accessing these depths less travelled. Do lots of meditation and maybe you will have the good fortune to turn those keys. Hopefully soon they will make those important breakthroughs in research that I know will come eventually.

Aurora and I had the good fortune to see you on stage unplugged at The House Of Blues in LA in 2000-2001 as I lived there for a time before returning home to Australia in 2003. It was a great privilege to see and hear you in the flesh.
All the very best to you Dan .. you have enriched the lives of many. ~ Brian MacKrill  Melbourne, Australia

Hi Dan. I hope you are having a good day. I just wanted to say I have been a fan for years. The Innocent Age got me through a really hard time in my life (bad marriage) and I thank you for giving me that music. I can still remember the first time I listened to Home Free. I was a waitress in Tucson at  a steakhouse , and after hearing that album (they were albums then) I mailed my brother in Kentucky a five dollar bill so he could go and buy the album too. I bet you hear tons of stories like this from your fans. To this day when I here the piano opening  "To the Morning" the hair on my arms rise and I get choked up, nostalgic in a way I can't describe. I remember how excited I was for you when I saw you on television at the Kentucky Derby. Anyway, I hope you and all the people you love are getting as much as you can from this time. These are the lives we get.  Good luck, thank you again. ~ Jeannie

Dan, I was sitting here at work and your song "Same Old Lang Syne" came on the radio. I wondered what you have been doing now so I looked you up on the web.  I was saddened to hear of your diagnosis of cancer.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I will pray for you personally to be healed and that God will bring you and your
family through this with strength and courage.  I want you to know that your life has brought so much joy to other people and I want to thank you for giving so much of yourself through your music.  Thank you for helping me with your words and your music through my life.  Your songs brought me back to a time in my life when I was young and impressionable.  Your music filled my days then, and got me through some very trying times.  Your music was there as I grew up.  Your words inspired and moved me.   You have truly touched my life more than I can say. God Bless you ~ Karen

Dear Mr Fogelberg, I have been a fan since the early 1970s and wanted to say you have touched me deeply with your songs. I was introduced to your music by my parents and you were part of a trio of artists that received a lot of play time on our stereo ( the others were Harry Chapin & Jim Croce). Thank you so much for the pleasure you have given me. I was deeply saddened to hear of your illness and I will remember you in my prayers and thoughts each day. All your albums are special but my two favourites are The Innocent Age and Windows & Walls because they were there to give me comfort during difficult times in my life. Take care, stay strong and be positive. ~ Patrick Caruana, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Your music has made a big impact on my life. I have many favorite songs, but "Leader of the Band" is it for me. I wish you peace in this difficult phase in your life. ~ Debby Curl

Dear Dan, I've been  a fan of you & your music since  the beginning. You have helped me through so many bad times with your songs& your poems. I also sing & play guitar myself and so many of  the songs that you wrote & sang gave me  a lot of happiness. I wish the best for you and family. Remember your faith and songs are forever. ~ Jim Chandler

Dear Dan, not a day goes by without your music. You have been with us since the eighties. We are buying CD's of the vinyl. Times change. It's worth every penny. Much love to you and your wife ~Mike & Eithne XX

Your gentle spirit has touched me (and so many others) over the years. Your music has been an important part of my life -- encouraging, healing and inspiring me to reach higher and deeper. I hope that you are surrounded now with that same loving energy. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us and I hope that you are exploring all avenues of treatment. There are many paths to healing...love and laughter being among the best of them. Please know that you are in my prayers always and remember that our expectation often creates our reality. Expect a miracle! Love and Light ~-Elizabeth

Hello Dan, your music followed me in all these years. I have a cancer in my head for 3 years and I know your situation. God help you in this moment like your music helps me in my bad moments. Thanks Dan and good luck! Sorry for my English, I am Italian. ~ Alessandro

Dan (& family) - Dude...I hope & pray the best for you. Thanks for all the great music you shared. My personal favorites are: "Nether Lands" (takes me to the mountains!); "Missing You" and "Leader of the Band." My brothers and I practically "learnt" to play the guitar on your songs back in the 70's & 80's. Incidentally, my older brothers and I sang "Longer" at my sister's wedding back in 1980. I got drunk and ruined it. Not a good memory. My sister has since passed on from a cancer. Horrible.  God Bless and hope to hear news soon.

Dear Dan, I am 46 years old. Yesterday, on impulse, I bought a record player. I have hauled along, from move to move, from marriage and kids to divorce and empty nest, packed and unpacked, time and time again, my old vinyl collection. While not having the necessary equipment to play these old records, I couldn't bring myself to part with them. I have a lot of Dan Fogelberg in my collection. I started revisiting with you. Hello, old friend.

There has not been a single sunrise I have witnessed in the last 34 years that I have not heard "To The Morning" in my head. As I worked my way through my collection, spreading out before me, I remembered all the lyrics, and where I was and who I was with. It all just flooded back upon me,rich and tangible and satisfying. I reach for you and connect with an elemental part of me....and then I "googled" you. And I want to know....how are you today? And I want to tell you I'm sorry I did not think to ask before. I have lost dear friends throughout the years...and have many regrets for not being there to lend my prayers and profound feeling to their struggle. Blessings be upon you and yours ~ Janet

Mr Fogelberg, It has been sometime since I last wrote and I regret that, but I would be remiss if I didn't once again try to thank you for the enjoyment your music has brought to my family and me. I first heard of Dan Fogelberg in 1975 and have been a true fan since. I'm sure thousands of others have told you how you have helped them through tough times and my name should be added as well. I can't put into words the respect and gratitude I have for you, except to simply say THANK YOU! I think I speak for thousands of your fans who are either bashful or afraid to take the time to write to you and let you know that we miss you and are praying for your full recovery. It saddened me when I saw that your plans of returning to the stage was pretty much on hold, as I have been checking papers of any venue remotely close to my area to hopefully see some dates of your return. I've had the pleasure of only seeing you twice (Cincinnati and Murfreesboro, both outside) and what a thrill it was. Matter of fact, "Cincy" was my niece's high school graduation gift from my family. That gift has been giving for almost 20 years. I will close with saying you may have heard countless times, but I find it both comforting and true, "If God brings you to it.... He'll bring you through it."  Our prayers for you and Jean continue....God Bless. Sincerely ~
Jack Amonett

Dan,  My wife and I were listening to your live album in the car the other  day and I said to her "We need to get tickets to go see him and his band". When I went on the web site and read about your battle, it devastated me.Your musical and poetic talent have touched me more than any other musician that I have listened to. From a very young age and though my adult years I have enjoyed your music. You have been an inspiration through many chapters of my life. You  need to get well and get on the road again! Our thoughts and prayers are forefront and with you and your family. ~ Stephen W.  Diettrich

Dear Dan,  Hopefully this is a positive for you.  I live in Torrington CT and a local radio station does a ten-minute community service spot for airing whatever. Today, our local hospital is sponsoring a free clinic for PSA.  I called the station and told the DJ about your plight and how you strongly encourage all men to get tested.  Considering the larger percentage of your fan base are of the same age prime for it, seemed to make sense to put your name with the program.  Chin UP and God bless you.

Mr. Fogelberg: For many, many years, you and your music have been an integral part of my music library.  Your music has been a source of inspiration, relaxation, and pleasure that is immeasurable.  I started listening to your music in college (late 70's) and have continued to enjoy it since.  My regret is that I never have had the pleasure of attending one of your performances.  I had tickets to one of your performances here in Indianapolis many, many years ago but unfortunately my job as a firefighter/paramedic required me to travel to Florida and my wife had to go to your show without me. I was given tickets to Gordon Lightfoot to make up for missing your show by the business who sent me to Florida and although he put on a great show, I'm sure I would have enjoyed your show more.     

 One memory that I felt compelled to send to you is this.  I was on one of the first FEMA teams to be sent to Ground Zero on September 11th.  We spent 16 hours on buses and fortunately I had the foresight to bring along some of my CD's for the long trip from Indianapolis.  Thankfully, your music was a big part of the selections I brought.  During those long 16 hours on the bus and during the next 8 days, your music provided a source of relief and relaxation during our stay in NY. Although nothing could take away the stress, your music did provide a respite from the terrible things we saw. In closing, I wish you and your family all the best in your struggle with this disease.  Hopefully you can make a full recovery and maybe I'll finally get the chance to see your music in person.  Till then...keep the faith! ~ Greg Hess, Carmel, IN

Mr. Fogelberg, I own a cabin just across from you in Colorado. I recently was told that you have some health problems. I hope you're doing better and please remember, you always have this wonderful valley to come back to when you need to
re-charge your batteries. Best wishes ~ Donnie

I'd like to tell a story about a time long ago, in the late 70's at an outdoor Dan Fogelberg concert in St. Paul, MN.  I've always lived in the shadow of my elder brother of 1 year, also a Dan, and a natural musician who had a comical flare.  The skills came easy to him, while I had to work hard.  Music was a competition between us; he chose rock and I gravitated towards the gifts you brought to all of us.  Your complex mix of instruments brought together in beautiful song, frosted with wise words that exercised our imaginations and emotions.  You gave me the inspiration to write, and I believe you can take credit for much of how I've handled life's ups and downs -- always coming out OK, learning and growing from each experience, and maintaining deep beliefs.  My brother surprised me with the tickets to that concert, and we went together, alone.   My brother wasn't familiar with all of what he heard, but when the final curtain fell, he expressed his approval with you (and me, for recognizing a musical genius.)  I specifically remember my breath being taken away by the acoustical version of  "The Reach". I remember being so proud walking back to the van.  This memory I take to heart, as my brother and his wife were killed in a car accident five years ago.  I am now raising their three girls and hoping he is looking down with that same approval he gave me that day.  Through it all, I continue to find out over and over how precious and wonderful the gift of life is.  The beauty in the land, the feelings we feel, our experiences we share, good and bad.  I've also learned that death is as much a part of living as life itself.  Dan & Suan you are missed.  Dan Fogelberg, you are always held in my prayers.  Thank you for a lifetime of music. ~ Nancy, Mantorville, MN

Dear Dan, My hope is this letter finds you healing well. Your music has been a wonderful source of pleasure for me through the years. I live in the metro Detroit area and have seen you perform live for decades. Your solo acoustical tours have always amazed me. I fumble at the guitar and piano so to witness you gracefully execute complex instrumental pieces almost subconsciously while singing your heart out to near perfection truly touches me. You have used your gift of talent superbly and have shared your talents for the joy of many. For this I thank you ~ Jim

As seems typical in my life, I am the last to hear news. Music has always been a big part of my life. My mother sang and the house was full of music ever since I can remember. As a consequence, there always seems to be a tune rambling through my brain. Through the years I have heard some pretty great music (and I'm getting older so it adds up to quite a bit). The two artists I played until the vinyl wore through, never get tired of hearing, and whenever I hear them I am home again, are Joni Mitchell and Dan Fogelberg. I now work in the medical field, in the laboratory and I run the test for prostate cancer. Every time I see an elevated result, I pray for that person and their family that things will work out well for them. So, I send even more good thoughts to you, as much as I can. May you find the comfort that your music has brought me throughout the years. Be well. ~ Karmell, SLC UT

Boy, Dan! It's a wonder any of us are still here after the 70's, but we're here, a little worse from wear. As I lit the candle, I thought back to all the times I have listened to your music throughout my life to help me get through a lost love or just to make me feel better. I wish there was something I could do to get your through this, but I have no magic pills that will help. But with the combined effort of all those souls that love you, maybe our spirits will guide you to be a peace and beat this foe in your life. Thanks for all you have done. Bless you and yours. A forever fan ~ William H. Turnbough

Dear Dan, I was sitting here at work listening to one of the many CD's of yours I own, amazed at the quality, feeling and meaning you are able to express. Having tried to play guitar a little it is always amazing to see someone with a talent such as yours who has mastered so many instruments and has become and instrument himself with his incredible voice and mind for music. I wish you the best and pray for your recovery and long life.  While you have blessed us all with so many beautiful songs I would love to continue to follow you on your musical journey.  Sincerely ~ Ron

Dear Mr. Fogelberg - I've been sitting here in my office flipping through songs from my past and I happened upon "Longer", a song I've loved for such a long time as it takes me back to being a very young and innocent girl. "Longer" was always such a sweet song to me and I remember hearing it and wondering how I would possibly ever feel that way about someone - plus it has one of the most memorable flugelhorn solos I've ever heard. Thank you for such a pretty song.
   
In 2001 I joined a community band and started playing my flute after a 16-year rest. It was there I met my flugelhorn-playing husband. I joined his big band as a vocalist and we began dating. Several months later in January 2003 at the age of 33 I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Two days after my first surgery I was playing my flute at Sunday night rehearsal. We made an announcement and it was then my band family came together to support me through a very rough time. Five surgeries, seven weeks of daily radiation and two years of chemotherapy later I married the man who stood by my side through every tough day. I know your Jean is doing the same for you as you fight prostate cancer. There are really good days and there are really shitty ones. I just want you to know that I know on some level the struggles you're facing and want to tell you guys to really hang in there. Keep music, your first love, an important part of your being as it will pull you thru those rough days. My very best to you and my prayers will be with you and your family.~Sue Lampson, Newberg, Oregon

Dear Dan and Jean, I've been a big fan since the 70's. I remember hearing "Part of the Plan" on the radio and liking it, but the album Nether Lands and the song "Scarecrow's Dream" made me take even more notice. I've been lucky enough to see you in concert both with the band and solo acoustic on numerous occasions. I've always been drawn to great harmonies and was drawn to so many songs. I've enjoyed playing and singing your music and look forward to the day that you can get back in the studio and on the concert stage once more. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we first heard about your cancer. Best Wishes ~ Carl England and Family

I realize that I am probably about a generation late, but I just wanted to say, Mr. Fogelberg, that your music has touched me more deeply than just about any. Since I was very young, my dad played your records for me. I have to say that the thoughtfulness and care that are obvious in your music have had a significant impact on me. Now that I am in college and
have chosen to pursue a degree in music education, I hope to be able to touch my future students with music the same way that I have been inspired by you for most of my life. Thank you, God Bless you, and my prayers and good thoughts are
with you and your family in this tough time. ~ Dani Johnson

Dear Dan:  What would my life have been like without your music?   I would not want to know.  I have had the pleasure of seeing you in concert  three times, and have been moved to tears by your beautiful lyrics and music every time.  Your words reach down into the deepest part of my heart.   I have never heard a song by you that I haven't loved.  The Nether Lands  album is one of my favorites, along with The Innocent Age, but I have been  listening to your music since the mid-70's.  Your music has been the  soundtrack to many happy and sad times in my life, and I cannot thank you enough  for all your songs and all the memories they evoke.  You are one of a kind,  and you are loved and admired by so many!  I have your concert "Greetings  From the West," on DVD, and I watch it now and again, and never tire of  it.  I was especially enchanted by your performance with Tim  Weisberg.  When you and Tim play "Power of Gold," I am always mesmerized by  it.  Truly, you are two geniuses at work!  I feel that you  are one of the most gifted singer/songwriter/musicians ever - anywhere - anytime. I know you must feel so fortunate to have lived your life doing something you truly love, and we, the fans, are much the better for having you and your music in our lives.  Dan, I sincerely hope and pray that you are  recovering from your illness, and that the worst is behind you.  Please  know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and may God Bless You in every way imaginable.  You have given so much to so many, and I thank you!  Much love to you. ~ Karen McBride, Georgia

Dear Mr. Fogelberg, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I was very sorry to learn of your illness.  I was first introduced to your music through the vinyl album of Souvenirs which a sister of mine gave me as a Christmas gift
decades ago because she liked the song “A Place in the World for a Gambler.” Since then, I have spent thousands of hours listening to your music while praying, running, biking, walking, working, driving, thinking, and numerous other activities.  Sometimes even just listening.  I have seen you perform live several times in Oregon and the sheer joy in life and music which you communicated was truly dazzling to experience.  I am grieved to know of your current suffering.  I hope that the support and concern of the thousands of people whose lives you have enriched is a comfort to you in this time. God’s peace ~ Fr. Kevin Connell, SJ

Mr. Fogelberg, It is with great sadness that I visited your website this morning and learned for the first time about your battle with illness.  I too have recently begun a battle of sadness of my own.  On August 19, 2007, my father, Bruce W. Scott, the man who introduced me to your music, along with so many other things, passed away at the age of 64.  My dad was such a lover of music, and was a lover you your music above all others.  I remember so many days in the car and evenings in the family home listening to so much music at my father’s side, mostly rock and jazz, but classical and pop as
well.  Quite often it was your music that we shared.  At his funeral, one of the three songs that was played to celebrate his life was “Leader of the Band”, a song that seems to be a ballad for fathers across the ages.  What a magical piece of work that song is! 

My dad passed along his love for so many things, including his love for music to all three of his children.  It is with pride that my wife and I look forward to passing on that family legacy to our two children as well, both daughters who are just two years and 8 weeks old.  I hope that they will grow to appreciate your wonderful music and the feeling that comes through all of your work.  Thank you for the gift of your music, a gift that has spanned and will continue to span the generations, as all true art does. I look forward to continuing to enjoy your music with my children and also look forward to once again sharing your music with my father when, some day, he and I will, together, gaze upon the face of eternity. All the best to you and your family. ~ Kevin – Atlanta, GA

Dear Dan and Family, I hope and pray this message finds you on the path of healing.  To you, dear friend of my musical heart,  I pray for the same happiness, joy and strength that your music has given me over the years.  My best to you and your family as you  take on this challenge. I will be praying for all of you. ~ Maggie from PA

Very sorry to read of your condition.  I will keep you and your family in our prayers.  Keep the faith, and continue to fight the good fight by reminding those who would listen about the love of life that is given us, as you have done so through all the years - with song.  We'll be listening.  Joy and Love.

Hope you can keep a positive outlook. My dad lost his battle, but not before he had a chance to let everyone he cared for know how he really felt.  It was some of the best times and memories to get to know someone on that "real" level - nothing to hide and nothing to be afraid to share.  It changed me for the better and I know that it is a battle that can take all your strength to fight, but the struggles and trials are worth the rewards you share with those you love.  Good luck with the rest of your life. You've shared a lot with your music and I hope to be able to see other aspects of your artistic talents in the future. ~ Maggy

Mr Fogelberg, I suppose you hear it every day, but your music has been a huge part of my life.  Now, I can't say I was a fan until 1979 ( though I  loved "Wysteria" but didn't know who sang it...long story...drunk DJ, never told  the artist,
late nights...LOL), but the man who was to be my husband was.   When we started hanging out together (dating is way too grand a word for it) he  played your music all of the time.  He loved "Scarecrow's Dream". I think it  was his favorite.  He never declared one.  But one night he sat me  down, played "Looking For A Lady" and I knew he was pretty serious.  And,  inevitably, I became a fan.  Your writing is magical.  Honestly, the  song "Souvenirs" may have the best lyrics I have ever heard anywhere, and "Phoenix"  is fantastic.  I could give examples until the sun sets and never say all  that I love about your way with words.  Oh, and you're a fair player too.  LOLOL.  Anyway, the reason I finally wrote is to tell you thank you.   

You seem to have been the bookends to a big part of my life.  My husband  died in 1998 (bacterial meningitis) and we played "Scarecrow's Dream" and "Along  the Road" at his funeral.  I thought I might never be able to listen to you  again, but it hasn't turned out that way.  When I play one of your CDs  there is a moment of sharp pain...I miss Wes so much every day...but the pain is always replaced by warm thoughts and the memory of his laughter.  To me listening to your music
is like reliving the best years of my life.  I  thank you for that.  You have made me a more content person.  Thank  you for some of the best moments a woman ever had...with the best man anyone can imagine. I have been thinking of you a lot over the past couple of  years. I could have written earlier, but I am now.  I wish you health and  peace.  Take care and know that you are ever in my thoughts and  prayers. ~ Lori Hart, Kentucky

Dear Dan and family.  First I hope it OK to use your first name, but I feel you have been part of my family for so many years. I just now found your site. I am so very sorry for your illness. I have had the privilege of seeing you in concert 3 times. Your albums have gone from vinyl to cassette to CDs and I still have them all . When both my girls were born your songs were what I sang them to sleep with. Now I sing them to my 2 year old granddaughter. Your songs are my ring tones for my phone. I just wanted to thank you for sharing so much of your self with so many. I will keep you in my daily prayers and pray for Gods blessings on you.~ Benita Wilkerson Tennessee 

I don't know how to say thanks for saving my life. After visiting your web site I called my physician to have a PSA test (I am 53) The test showed that I needed further testing. As it turned out your website saved my life. God bless and thanks!

Dear Dan, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of your battle with prostate cancer.  My grandfather was diagnosed with it in 2003.  For many years I have loved and enjoyed your music.   I have been a big fan since I was young.  Your songwriting and voice have always reached me and I have always thought that as a musician you never received the
recognition and respect you deserve.

I used to play and write myself but destiny took me into a different direction within the entertainment industry (TV and film) which I enjoy very much.  Your music had a great influence on me and I used to try and play along to your songs on guitar.  I was never quite good enough to nail down those great solos of yours though!  I remember when I first heard your album "The Innocent Age" I was blown away.  It was absolutely amazing. Your music has also gotten me through difficult times like when my grandmother passed away many years ago. Know that you have my support as well as the support of all of your fans, family and friends.  We love you. You're in our hearts and we thank you dearly for so much great music over the years. Best wishes, hope, love and prayers ~ Troy - Los Angeles, CA




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