Dear friends, family, loyal fans and music industry constituents,

On March 25, Garry Shider of Parliament Funkadelic, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing stroke like symptoms at his home in Maryland.

Garry was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC, where he was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer.

The legendary Garry "Star Child" Shider has been the premier vocalist, guitarist, writer and arranger for Parliament Funkadelic for forty years. He has toured the world countless times over, and has written such Funk classic hits as "Atomic Dog" and "One Nation Under a Groove". Throughout his incredible career, Garry has delivered his own brand of Funk and unique style, night after night, never disappointing his audiences and always leaving them wanting more.

We are reaching out world wide, asking Garry’s friends, family, loyal fans, and music industry constituents to make a donation to The Garry Shider Medical Fund in an effort to defray the medical expenses that are already starting to add up. Because Garry will be undergoing a series of radiation treatments and will need various medications and aftercare, he will not be able to tour.

Along with Garry’s dedicated wife of thirty-two years, Linda, and long time friend, Pete Shipman, Jr., we have established the Harmon, Health and Hope Foundation and are striving for a successful fundraising campaign to reach our goal of $500,000. We want everyone to know that no contribution is too small.

Please note that this is the official website for The Garry Shider Medical Fund. All credit card donations can be made safely and securely through PayPal. Donations can also be made by check. Please visit the Contact and Donation Information sections of our website for further information.

Though Garry has a long road ahead, we want Garry to know that he is not in this fight alone. We want him to know that he is loved throughout the world and that we are here to help. Garry, Linda, Garrett, and Marshall thank you for the love, support, heartfelt prayers and generosity.

Please visit our site for updates on Garry and to track our fundraising goals.

Oh wow I didn't know he was suffering from all of that.

P-Funk is really taking a hit this year!

He's only 56.
The cancer cells very likely developed in the lungs and metastasized to his brain. I hope its not too late for him undergo chemotherapy & alternative treatments. He's a dynamic guitarist with a special gift for penning funky songs. I'm deeply saddened by this news.

I wonder how George is coping with his bandmates/former bandmates leaving this world so soon not to mention he lost both his mother AND son.

I'm sending a donation today...anybody with me???

babynoz said:

I'll be making a small donation. It'll be a "drop in the bucket" compared to what his medical bills probably are by this point, but I'm sure Garry wouldn't want me to contribute more than I'm able.

I agree that it's mind-boggling that so many of our legends can't afford the care they need when they need it, but I suppose comprehensive Health Insurance isn't a part of the whole Funk-Star package when you sign up . Just a couple of days in the hospital can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, with just the flip of the switch of one of their magic life-saving machines.

PDogz said:

Tell me about it!

They're saying now he won't be touring anymore