Jeff Golub
|
|
We saw Jeff Golub perform many times in person... on jazz cruises and in concerts on land. He was sick for a while before he died and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. They finally got him in to NIH and they figured it out. Jeff lost his sight but still managed to play until... he couldn't. There was an incident where he fell on the subway tracks in New York and someone pulled him to safety. It made the news and the papers. I saved some of the articles, a couple of them are below.
Jeff Golub Diagnosed With Rare Brain Disease
By Stephen Doble | Nov 24, 2014, 05:37 AM
Update: We’re sorry to report that Jeff Golub has lost his battle with the disease. He passed away in the morning of January 1, 2015 at the age of 59.
Jeff Golub has been diagnosed with a rare brain disease.
Doctors were left bewildered when the critically acclaimed guitarist inexplicably lost his eyesight in 2011. Now, after three years of searching, specialist doctors have been able to identify the rare disease behind his tragic loss.
After being invited to join the National Institute of Health’s Undiagnosed Disease Program, which only has the resources to see and diagnose a small number of patients every year, doctors were able to confirm that Golub is suffering from a rare disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or “PSP”).
The disease is an aggressive, and unfortunately untreatable, degenerative brain disease that currently has no cure.
Life since losing his eyesight has not been easy for Golub. After falling into the path of an oncoming subway train in 2012, Golub has seen some financial difficulty after being faced with inordinate medical expenses. An online auction, “Help 4 Jeff Golub,” raised over $50,000 to help ease the financial pressure; thanks in part to a generous donation of eight autographed original charts from pianist and composer Joe Sample, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 75.
Sadly, Golub’s has suffered “rapid physical deterioration” of his condition over the past year. He took a break from music because of his health issues; but now that the disease has started to adversely affect his balance, speech, and control of his body, his days of performing and recording are likely over.
Golub’s family has used Facebook to keep fans up to date about his condition, and they are now encouraging everyone to learn more about PSP at PSP.org, and to donate if they can.
Dear friends and family,
Just one year ago we announced that Jeff had taken a break from performing because of his health issues. At that time, it was apparent that he was suffering from more than just sudden blindness, but doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause or the probable outcome. Some suggested he was just having a tough time acclimating to his loss of vision. However, those who knew him best knew that something fundamental was changing, even though his doctors struggled to arrive at a clear prognosis.
After a year of rapid physical deterioration and innumerable doctor appointments, we finally have a diagnosis. Unfortunately, the news is not good. Two weeks ago, Jeff went to the National Institute of Health, in Bethesda, MD to participate in their Undiagnosed Disease Program. Within just three days, the doctors at NIH confirmed that Jeff has a very rare disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or "PSP." PSP is a progressively degenerative brain disease that has no cure. PSP is untreatable and aggressive.
As we were told when we left NIH, the road ahead for Jeff will be difficult. Jeff’s mind is intact and he is fully aware of what is happening. However, the disease dramatically impacts his balance, ability to speak and ability to control his movements.
At this point it is quite difficult for Jeff to speak on the phone or respond to texts or e-mails. However, he loves having notes and messages read to him, so please do send your thoughts along, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back. The incredible support of our friends makes a hard road easier to navigate.
For those interested in learning more about PSP, the best resource is curePSP.org.
We are all so grateful for your prayers, friendship and support. With love and enormous appreciation for those who love us and hold Jeff in their hearts,
Jeff, Audrey, Chris and Matthew
His family made a video showing his declining health while he was still struggling to perform. It'll grab ya in the gut to watch it, but I think it's worth it . [vimeo.com]
Jeff Golub Diagnosed With Rare Brain Disease
By Stephen Doble | Nov 24, 2014, 05:37 AM
Update: We’re sorry to report that Jeff Golub has lost his battle with the disease. He passed away in the morning of January 1, 2015 at the age of 59.
Jeff Golub has been diagnosed with a rare brain disease.
Doctors were left bewildered when the critically acclaimed guitarist inexplicably lost his eyesight in 2011. Now, after three years of searching, specialist doctors have been able to identify the rare disease behind his tragic loss.
After being invited to join the National Institute of Health’s Undiagnosed Disease Program, which only has the resources to see and diagnose a small number of patients every year, doctors were able to confirm that Golub is suffering from a rare disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (or “PSP”).
The disease is an aggressive, and unfortunately untreatable, degenerative brain disease that currently has no cure.
Life since losing his eyesight has not been easy for Golub. After falling into the path of an oncoming subway train in 2012, Golub has seen some financial difficulty after being faced with inordinate medical expenses. An online auction, “Help 4 Jeff Golub,” raised over $50,000 to help ease the financial pressure; thanks in part to a generous donation of eight autographed original charts from pianist and composer Joe Sample, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 75.
Sadly, Golub’s has suffered “rapid physical deterioration” of his condition over the past year. He took a break from music because of his health issues; but now that the disease has started to adversely affect his balance, speech, and control of his body, his days of performing and recording are likely over.
Golub’s family has used Facebook to keep fans up to date about his condition, and they are now encouraging everyone to learn more about PSP at PSP.org, and to donate if they can.
Dear friends and family,
Just one year ago we announced that Jeff had taken a break from performing because of his health issues. At that time, it was apparent that he was suffering from more than just sudden blindness, but doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause or the probable outcome. Some suggested he was just having a tough time acclimating to his loss of vision. However, those who knew him best knew that something fundamental was changing, even though his doctors struggled to arrive at a clear prognosis.
After a year of rapid physical deterioration and innumerable doctor appointments, we finally have a diagnosis. Unfortunately, the news is not good. Two weeks ago, Jeff went to the National Institute of Health, in Bethesda, MD to participate in their Undiagnosed Disease Program. Within just three days, the doctors at NIH confirmed that Jeff has a very rare disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, or "PSP." PSP is a progressively degenerative brain disease that has no cure. PSP is untreatable and aggressive.
As we were told when we left NIH, the road ahead for Jeff will be difficult. Jeff’s mind is intact and he is fully aware of what is happening. However, the disease dramatically impacts his balance, ability to speak and ability to control his movements.
At this point it is quite difficult for Jeff to speak on the phone or respond to texts or e-mails. However, he loves having notes and messages read to him, so please do send your thoughts along, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back. The incredible support of our friends makes a hard road easier to navigate.
For those interested in learning more about PSP, the best resource is curePSP.org.
We are all so grateful for your prayers, friendship and support. With love and enormous appreciation for those who love us and hold Jeff in their hearts,
Jeff, Audrey, Chris and Matthew
His family made a video showing his declining health while he was still struggling to perform. It'll grab ya in the gut to watch it, but I think it's worth it . [vimeo.com]
