Robert Parks Johnson, former AGL staffer and talented all-around theatre artist, has been fighting cancer this year and he's been sharing the journey online through his facebook page and his amazing blog Fat Man Running. Robert has opened up about his experiences for all to see, and he has shown that optimism and his unmistakable sense of humor are a major part of his battle. Robert is fighting for his life, not only against the relentless evil that is cancer, but also against the difficulties of the treatment, the psychological impact of the process, and perhaps most unfairly, against the faceless and cruel bureaucracy that turns patients into numbers on an account balance sheet. 

"Insurance has run out. No more Meds." 

These were the words Robert posted on August 1st on facebook, and they had a huge effect on his friends in the theatre community and elsewhere. In the days following this dire announcement a lot has happened, primarily the creation of the Robert Parks Johnson Medical Fund at St. Martha's Episcopal Church. 

Where the insurance company has failed, we -- Robert's colleagues, supporters and most importantly his friends -- intend to make things right. This fund generously set up by Robert's church will help to raise the necessary money to make sure that Robert never goes a day without the medicine he needs.

Over the coming months theatre organizations including Studio Players, Balagula Theatre, and Fantastical Theatricals will host events with the proceeds raised going directly to the fund, other special events are currently in the works and will be announced as details arise. In the meantime Actors Guild will be helping to solicit donations to the fund at this weekend's production of Tommy-The Concert. There are many ways that you can help.

If you are attending Tommy-The Concert you can make a donation that evening either with volunteers on site, or through the box office. Checks can be sent directly to:

Robert Parks Johnson Medical Fund c/o St. Martha’s Episcopal Church PO Box 1944 Lexington, KY 40522 (Checks should be made out to St. Martha’s Episcopal Church.)

You can also donate through the AGL online box office here. Every dollar raised through our website will be directly sent to St. Martha's.

I also encourage everyone to follow Robert at his blog Fat Man Running to show your support. If you wish to become involved, or if you have any trouble in making a donation you can reach me directly at my email eseale@actorsguildoflexington.org

Thank You,

Eric Seale