MANSFIELD — Ernie Thacker was given horrible news, but thanks to the Bluegrass community, he is given hope.
Thacker, a former lead-singer for bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, was told by the head surgeon at University of Kentucky’s college of medicine he suffers from osteomyelitis — a rare bone disease. It had spread through out the lower half of his body, including his spine.
The prognosis is grim.
To make matters worse for the Thacker family, the bluegrass musician has no life insurance. The terminal diagnosis brought financial stress, too.
Aside from worrying about paying medical bills, he was also burdened with potential funeral costs.
“(My wife) Karen has given up her life for the last four-years to be by my side and taking care of me 24/7,” said Thacker, who lost the use of his lower body due to an auto accident. “And after I’m gone it will be a tough adjustment for her. I hope she has time to grieve before having to go back into the workforce.”
The Bluegrass community has come to Thacker’s aid.
An indoor concert with premiere acts of Bluegrass music will be playing in the Arts and Crafts building at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield. The first band will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.
The event features 14 national-touring bands: 2018-grammy nominee Larry Cordle and Lonesone Standard Times, Don Rigsby and Flashback, Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Jeff Brown and Still Loneseom, Jr. Sick and Rambler Choice, Dave Adkins, Darrell Webb, Ernie Evans, Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers, Canny Creek, Sammy Adkins and the Sandy Hook Mountain Boys, Crabgrass and a special performance by Thacker’s brother, Matthew Thacker and the Route23 Reunion Band.
The show will end at about 9 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $20. Drinks, baked goods and a spaghetti dinner will be for sale throughout the day.
“For those within in the Bluegrass community or those who are new to it,” Matt Thacker, Ernie’s brother said. “It’s a great level of talent. It’s going to be a really fun show with a variety of acts. Some are more traditional — others are more progressive.”
Ernie Evans, who is coordinating the February concert, said the decision for the event was an easy one.
“There is just no better community (Bluegrass) to be a part of,” Evans said. “When Bluegrass fans and performers learn that a hardship has fallen on one of their own, like the one that has fallen on Ernie, they are eager to lend a hand and help out anyway they can.”
To follow Thacker along on his journey, click here.
