'Jonny is special': Moncton music community rallies around drummer
Even though he's recently received a serious diagnosis, Jonny Flanagan still loves to pound away on his drum kit in the basement of his Moncton, N.B., home.
The well-known and well-loved musician recently found out that he has Stage 4 colorectal cancer, and just finished his second round of chemotherapy treatment.
His musician friends are holding a big benefit concert for him on June 1 at Casino New Brunswick, and a recent GoFundMe campaign raised $49,500 in just a few weeks.
"It’s unbelievable. The community and friends helping like that, it just blew us away," said Flanagan.
His partner, Gillian Jackson, said all the love and support has been amazing.
"It’s overwhelming and it means that we don’t have to worry and he can focus on getting better and I can focus on taking care of him," said Jackson.
A life-long metal head and punk rocker, Flanagan has been playing drums since he was a kid, and the 47-year-old has been a fixture on the Moncton music scene for decades.
Jonny Flanagan sits at his drum set. (Derek Haggett/CTV Atlantic)
Longtime friend and fellow drummer Ken Kelley said Jonny is an optimistic and uplifting person.
"No matter what you could be going through, he’s always had this incredibly sunny outlook on life," said Kelley.
Kelley's band The Monoxides will be performing at the benefit show in June and lead singer Steve Hickox organized the GoFundMe along with Jackson.
Hickox said when he knew exactly what Flanagan was facing he wanted to get the online fundraiser up and running.
"Initially we asked for $10,000. We had almost that in the first few hours," said Hickox. "Honestly, I had no idea it would take off like it did."
Hickox said his friend is the kind of person who just makes everyone feel better.
"It starts with that permanent smile of his and continues with his infectious laugh and warm personality," said Hickox. "He is absolutely one of the most lovable people I’ve ever met."
His treatments have kept him from his day job, teaching drums at Long and McQuade, for about a year.
"We’re doing this to support Jonny," said Kelley. "As many people know, the arts and music specifically is a tough, tough go. A lot of musicians and artists aren’t lucky enough to have the safety net of health benefits."
Jonny Flanagan sits and smiles for a photo. (Courtesy: Gillian Jackson)Flanagan loves to teach and said he'll miss his students while he's away.
"It’s so much fun and the kids are so great. It’s very rewarding work to see them progress," said Flanagan.
Flanagan and Jackson moved into a new home last year, so the cancer diagnosis was a big blow to the couple.
The support they are receiving from the music community is crucial to them right now.
"It’s humbling to have to ask for help. so, for everyone just to step up and do it without us asking was amazing," said Jackson. "Jonny is special to me. I knew that he was special to everybody, but this has exceeded any expectation I ever could have had for help, support and love."
He’s looking at three months of treatment with chemotherapy and then doctors will re-assess to see if he needs more.
Radiation and surgery are definite possibilities.
"It’s been scary. It’s not something that we ever anticipated. Nobody really anticipates getting this diagnosis," said Jackson.
No matter what, Flanagan said he’ll stay optimistic and keep smiling.
"There’s really no other way. You have to have a positive mind and honestly and truthfully I have zero doubts that we’re going to beat this and move forward," said Flanagan.
The drummer will be performing with his band “Iron Giant” at the June 1 concert.
More information on the one-night show is available on the Smile for Jonny Facebook page.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.