A fundraiser has been established to “lighten the load” of Stu Kimball’s medical bills.
The veteran guitarist who has worked with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Six years on from the diagnosis, Kimball’s family are hoping to raise enough funds to get him the live-in care at a Memory Care Center. A fundraiser has been established to raise the $75,000 required for Kimball, with $37,765 raised at time of writing. The rhythm guitarist who toured for over a decade with Mr. Tambourine Man hitmaker Dylan was a crucial part of the live line-up. He also worked with Carly Simon, Stevie Nicks, and Diana Ross. In a post to GoFundMe from Jabe Beyer and Laurie Sargent, the pair confirmed Kimball was in need of further care from a live-in facility.
Their post reads: “Hello friends, Jabe Beyer & Laurie Sargent here. As many of you may know, our dear friend and musical brother, Stu Kimball, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease some time ago.
“Stu and his beautiful, loving wife, Michelle, have been working tirelessly to keep the progression of Stu’s illness at bay, but now, 6+ years post diagnosis, it has become apparent that Stu requires the care only a live-in, Memory Care Center can provide.
“For those who may not know Stu, he has been a lifelong musician and guitarist, working with Peter Wolf, Carly Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Face To Face, Al Green, Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, and most recently spent 14 years as guitarist for Bob Dylan.
“He also happens to be one of the kindest, big-hearted, funny, most generous guys you could ever meet. Stu and Michelle have often given their time, talents, loyalty, and resources to those in need, and it’s high time we return that kindness.
“Medical bills have stacked up, and Memory Care centers aren’t cheap. Let’s lighten the load a bit. Thank you in advance for anything you can give.” Kimball had earlier confirmed his diagnosis with a post to Instagram. The post was also shared to Facebook on May 13, 2024. It reads: “This devastating disease strikes more than 100,000 adults between the ages of 30 and 64 each year, and manifests in about 110 of every 100,000 Americans.
“I hope, by sharing my story, I can help others who may be hesitant to be tested for cognitive issues. Early detection is extremely important – especially with all of the new treatments available today and the wonderful work being done by my doctors at Mass General Hospital and others to find a cure.
“I perform as much as possible these days and I find the same joy in making and sharing music as I ever have.” The fundraiser is now halfway towards its goal, with thanks shared by organisers Laurie and Jabe.
A link to Kimball’s GoFundMe page can be found here.
