Grateful Dead Hour Host David Gans has established a fund for fans to aid RatDog guitarist Mark Karan, who is currently undergoing treatment for throat cancer. Gans goal is to raise $5000 to send Mark and his wife to the Commonweals Cancer Help Program, a week-long retreat in Bolinas, CA. Some of the money also will purchase a gift certificate from Jessie et Laurent, a Marin County-based company that delivers high-quality meals to the home, ready to be heated up as needed. As Gans (whose wife was treated for cancer for a few years ago) explains, No contribution is too small, and of course none could be too large. Insurance covers a lot of the medical stuff, but there are always plenty of related expenses, and additional comforts to make things easier for Mark and his family will be most welcome. If you would like to make a contribution of any amount, please contact me directly. Ill receive the funds and handle matters with both Commonweal and Jessie et Laurent. Or you can make a donation (NOT tax-deductible!) in any amount via PayPal. Email [email protected] for more information.