5/2/2010
Drummer, entertainer, Steve Strayhorn passed away peacefully and without pain with his family at his side, Friday 4-30-10 at 12:30 am at the Lebanon Care Center, Lebanon, IL, where he had been since Tuesday 4-27-10. Arrangements pending. Steve was a fighter to the end.
Sky

This from Steve's sister Judy Lemansky:

Dear Family & Friends,
It's with a very heavy heart that I send this e-mail to let you know that Steve has gone home to the Father who created him. As hard as he tried to beat the vicious, horrible cancer, it ended up beating him. Steve was surrounded by family and friends all day today and we were all able to tell him how much we loved him and will miss him. I know it meant the world to him to have all of you there and it was a tremendous support to us family members to have your love and support during this terribly sad time. As much as we all hate this situation, we know our faith will get us through.

Steve is now, finally, cancer free and pain free. He's playing Wipe Out for our Mother and then he's going on a century ride.

Thank you all for all the prayers you've said over all the years that Steve has been fighting this fight. He knew they were there; he felt every one! God bless all of you!!!

Steve's Sister, Judy Lemansky

10/14/08 update
Drummer/performer Steve Strayhorn continues his battle with cancer to the next level and needs all the prayers you can send that include him. 
Included is a message from Steve's sister, Judy Lemansky. I will continue posting updates about Steve in the Blog of my web pages. Go there for the latest updates.
http://skyreport.spaces.live.com/ 
http://skyreport.mobile.spaces.live.com/ 
http://www.myspace.com/skyreport 

Sky

Hello Faithful Prayer Partners,

Steve had his follow-up appointment with the Oncology Dr today to see what the "game plan" is going to be. It's not what we had hoped. Steve is not a candidate for surgery right now because of the multiple tumors in different locations (brain, lung, adrenal gland). He will get a port put in on Thurs, and the chemo treatments will start Tues, unless they can get him in earlier. At this point, they don't think a week is going to make any difference. He will have a 3 hour chemo treatment at Siteman, then go home with chemo plugged into the port that will be a continuous feed for 46 hours. A visiting nurse will come to the house to undo the port. Every 2 weeks, this will be repeated until Steve has 3-4 of these treatments, whatever he can tolerate. He'll then have another CAT scan to see if the tumors have shrunk. More of these treatment sessions can be set up, depending on how Steve is doing. After 6 months, if the tumors have shrunk enough, Dr. Lockhart will decide if he'll go back to the thorasic surgeon to see if Steve would be a candidate for surgery. Still a lot of unknowns. The adrenal glad is still another consideration. It will have had to shrink considerably, too, before they can consider that surgery. Both of these are extensive surgeries, so there are a lot of factors to consider.

Dr. Lockhart said the average persons lasts about 2 years. Steve is very healthy and fit and could probably do much better. Steve is planning on doing much, much better. He is attacking this with everything he has. His attitude is to not let it beat him. I know we all want him to fight like crazy. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer will help him have the strength to fight this dreadful cancer.

I'm sorry that this isn't better news, but I promised Steve that I'd let you all know. Please continue to pray for him. It's the very best thing we can do for him.

God bless you all!!!

Judy

9/19/08 update
I saw Steve Strayhorn today. He is doing great. He is getting up to walk. His mental function is great. He will possibly go to the Barnes rehab center tomorrow already! I could tell that the Dr.'s were impressed with his recovery so far. His left hand is a bit weak. I doubt that he will allow that for long. He is very determined! I thought that I would keep you all posted. Keep him in your' prayers. He appreciates it!
Pam Wheatley (Steve's friend)

Steve is settled in his room and has been on his feet twice. Unfortunately, he had a small seizures this evening. His nurse was in the room at the time and said it's not unexpected with the type of surgery he had. I know Steve was disappointed, but his brain in still swollen, so he'll be susceptible at least until the swelling goes down. It was kind of scary to watch. They have padded his side rails so if he has another one, he won't get hurt. We waited around for quite a while to make sure he was OK before we left. Tomorrow he will have another MRI and physical therapy. I know he'll come out of this OK; it's just going to take him a little time.
Please continue to pray.
Judy (Steve's sister)

9/15/08 update
Hello Everyone, Drummer Steve Strayhorn is battling cancer again. Sept. 3rd he was diagnosed with a brain tumor as well as legions in his lung and adrenal gland. He is scheduled for surgery at Barnes Hospital Tuesday Sept. 16. Please keep him in your prayers, it's going to be a tough fight. His attitude is good and he is giving everything he has to kick it. we will keep you posted on his progress.
Uncle Albert has decided to take a break for a while. We have a few shows left this year. Tim, Lisa and Jon will be back as soon as we can. Right now the most important thing for us is to support Steve. We will let you know as scheduling comes together.

Thanks for your support, Tim "uncle' Albert

April '04 Update:
Steve had his last surgery Wed April 7th. He's doing very well and should be backto the drums by the end of April ... maybe sooner knowing Steve. THANKS for all your prayers and support. 

Feb 04 Update:
Things are going well. Steve is up and around and has made a few rehearsals already. We expect him back at the drum throne by the end of March. The band has added some new tunes and they’ll be ready for Steve’s return. Until then, Rusty Parker has been filling in and doing a kick ass job. Thanks Rusty.

Jan 04 Update:
Steve will have surgery at the end of January and will likely be down for 6 weeks or so.  In the meantime, the band will slow down it's schedule a bit. If you'd like to send Steve a card, mail it to
Uncle Albert in care of Steve Strayhorn 1245 Imbs Station Road  East Carondelet, IL 62240

On 9/3/03, Uncle Albert drummer, Steve Strayhorn, was diagnosed with rectal cancer.  Immediately, family, friends, and the music community have come to the aid of one of their own.

A Drum Beat For Cancer
Benefit and Fundraiser for Steven D. Strayhorn
Oct 23rd - 26th, 2003
Hammerstone's

Family and Friends of Steve Strayhorn hosted a benefit and fundraiser for him to help defray medical expenses. The event began on Thursday, Oct 23rd with a Moonlight Bike Ride @ 9th and Russell and continued through the weekend with performances and jam sessions at Hammerstones.  Over $8000 was raised!! Fundraising continues to help relieve the financial pressure on Steve and his family.  Your help is appreciated.

Currently, Steve is starting his third of five weeks of treatment - radiation 5 days a week and chemotherapy 7 days a week.  While he is starting to feel the effects of the treatment, his spirits are great and he is still playing the heck out of his drums!

Before treatments began, Steve recorded a 5 track CD of percussion solos.  He is now selling it for $10 in hopes of raising more money.  If you would like a CD, or would just like to contribute to the cause, please send a check made out to "A DRUM BEAT FOR CANCER" (in the memo please write Steve Strayhorn) to the band mailing address.  If requested, we will send you a copy of the CD.

Our address:
Uncle Albert
1245 Imbs Station Road
 East Carondelet, IL 62240

Steve would like to send thanks to all of those who have already contributed and to those who will contribute in the future.

About Steve Strayhorn:
Steven D. Strayhorn is a prominent musician in St. Louis and Illinois area. Steve has been an established musician in the bi-state area for many, many years and has been playing drums since the age of 7. Steve has worked with top musician such, as Russ Bono, Full Moon Consort, Ralph Butler, Street Corner Symphony, Brian Clarke and St. Louis Browns, Arrow Memphis, and now the Uncle Albert Band. Steve joined this band three years ago.

About Uncle Albert Band:
Uncle Albert was started in 1991 by Tim Albert and has steadily grown in popularity in the St. Louis region. The band has been busy spreading their music around the world. Playing 150/200 shows a year, in the U.S., including tow tours of Europe 1997, 1999. With growing popularity, Uncle Albert has steadily ranked among the top blues bands in St. Louis and the tri-state region. Uncle Albert has been involved in various benefits for cancer and breast cancer research, Children's welfare and education, the Veterans Association and two tours of Iceland, England and Europe including Germany.

Your Support in this very important endeavor will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.