Baz & Sand need a hand

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Burringbar, New South Wales, Australia

Supporters

Update August 2022

Hi Everybody,

Well what a crazy time it’s been the last few years… I think they may have let something out of Pandora’s box when they opened Barrie’s head.

Here’s an update:

Barrie is defying the odds – it’s been 3 years since his diagnosis and first op and despite two more surgeries and ongoing chemo he is still the fun-loving freak we all know.

Barrie is a tree hugger, so it’s kind of ironic that a very large fig tree decided to make its way into his and Sandra’s bedroom for a lie down by crashing through the roof eight months ago. Luckily neither of them was in bed at the time.

To quote a text I got from Baz back then: “A hole in my house, a hole in my head. I knew I was meant to be a priest. I’ve become very holy!!”

They had to move out for the repairs and while they were away the first of the flooding rain storms came and blew the tarps off and caused more water damage in other parts of the house.

Anyway, long story short it has all been repaired and they are back home. Now that the rain has stopped Barrie is back out in his garden doing what he does best. He still can’t work or drive and Sandra has gone back to work to keep the wolves from the door.

One project that popped up three years ago was that our friend Mark Elkington gave Baz an old caravan to provide extra accommodation because the Phee kids (who are now all adults) are visiting regularly. Baz took on the challenge and turned an old shitty caravan into magnificent guest quarters that are barely recognisable.

The amazingly good news is that the Phee genes will live on!! Believe it or not, Baz & Sand will become grandparents this month, with Dylan and Shiori expecting.

The money we all raised three years ago was fantastic and took a little pressure off the boring necessity of mortgage payments. I figure it’s time to dig in & donate again to keep Freaky Phee and Woolie the Wonder Woman feeling loved and supported by all of us who love and support them.

When a fig comes inside for a lie down

Caravan before

Caravan after

In August 2019 Barrie Phee went to the doctor with a bad recurring headache. After trying a few different treatments, he finally went for an MRI which revealed a 7cm, stage 4 brain tumour. Bugger. Emergency surgery removed 95% of it – but the bit that’s left is aggressive and inoperable.

He’s no longer able to drive or work, so Sandra has quit her job to be by his side and manage the endless medical appointments and provide the support and care that he needs.

For those of you who know Barrie & Sandra, you’ll know they’ve always walked softly on this planet – just wanting enough to get by and provide a loving home for Dylan, Travis and Gwyneth.

Barrie & Sandra have always enriched other people’s lives – Baz with his gardening & unique philosophy on life and Sandra with her caring roles, raising 3 amazing kids, then working in social work, aged care and motor neuron disease support.

Baz has shared his passion for gardening and making the world and its environment a better place with hundreds of people over the years. One of his proudest achievements is the work he did helping to establish the Shearwater Steiner School and the 15 years he spent volunteering and gardening there to build a nurturing community.

I figure they are both in massive credit with karma – so I’ve set up this Chuffed campaign to channel the good karma back to them in a practical way. I want to raise enough money to take the financial pressure off them so they can enjoy the next couple of years without losing their home.

They were initially both horrified at the idea of setting up this fund, but I’ve explained to them that there are so many people out there who want to help – we’re just offering everyone an easy way to show they care.

I first met Baz in Wagga Wagga 35 years ago, where we formed the band, Friends of Buddha. He has been one of my nearest and dearest friends ever since. Always bringing his unique energy and positive vibes to every situation – I reckon the world is a better place thanks to Baz.

Whether you know him as Barrie, Blue, Bazza, Freaky Phee, Bazza Maracca, Bass Guitar Baz, Biodynamic Baz, Baz the Plant Whisperer, Bazza the artist or Festival Barrie, now is the time to give Baz & Sand a hand.

Barrie is one of those guys who leaves a lasting, positive impression on everyone he meets. Please donate now and help us spread the word to everyone who’s ever had the pleasure of meeting him.

If you want to donate by cash or cheque or some other means, please contact me (below) and I’ll let you know how. We’re using Chuffed instead of GoFundMe because they only charge bank processing fees and ask for an optional donation to them when you donate.

The funds raised will go directly to Baz & Sand’s mortgage offset account to cover the mortgage for the next two years – and might also be used for extra therapies not covered by medicare or accessibilty modifications to the house if needed.

Alan Grose

2 years ago

$100

Kelly Preiss

3 years ago

$50

Anonymous

3 years ago

$200

John Krohn

3 years ago

$200

Anonymous

3 years ago

$400

Alison Gibbs

3 years ago

$50

Sean & Lisa Ogilvie

3 years ago

$50

Brad Ov

3 years ago

$100

Bryn, Amy and Olive Goode

3 years ago

$50

Mark & Mandy Oliver

3 years ago

$100

Beatrice and Greg Booker

3 years ago

$100

Andrea Brown

3 years ago

$100

Marcia Skaines

3 years ago

$100

Kath Jensen

3 years ago

$100

Josh Fuhrke

3 years ago

$100

Duncan Love

3 years ago

$200

Julian Fuhrke

3 years ago

$100

Kerrilyn Goode

3 years ago

$200

Condor Smith

3 years ago

$200

Grace Stevens

4 years ago

$50

Alison Gibbs

Thanks Condor. A great initiative for two very special people.

5 years ago

Ron the coffee man Kleindiek

Hi Baz, Sandra, Gwin so sorry to hear whats happening to you. Sending lotsa love Ron and Shell

5 years ago

Ian Smith

Wow. Great response so far everyone. Let’s keep this thing rolling. Spread the word.

5 years ago

Carol Preiss

May this small donation help…you are an inspiration …dearest friends of Condor & Jane.

5 years ago

Grace Keeffe

Thinking of you guys…from Grace (Molony…Wagga 1982-83)xoxo

5 years ago

Sally Rhodes

Met Barrie and Sandra in Wagga in 1982- Barry’s band played at my 21st- such fun memories. Wishing you all the best and sending lots of love – Sally

5 years ago

Gae Jansen

Thanks for organising this Condor. A great idea to help them. from Gae and Tony

5 years ago

Michael Young

See you guys in June…Love Micky

5 years ago

Lois Randall

Sending love love love to you dear Barrie and Sandra, beautiful friends… Baz you are in my heart, wishing for peace and light and healing miracles for you.

5 years ago

frida schincaglia

love you both , glad to help out , be well

5 years ago

Louise Somerville

Baz and San, love you so much. ❤️ xx

5 years ago

Bevan Akins

Sending positivity & love to you both Barrie & Sandra, from Central Vic – Bevan & family xxoo

5 years ago

Greg Whalley

Best wishes mate!

5 years ago

Amanda Shepherd

Sending lots of love and positive goodness your way 🙂

5 years ago

Casey Macneil

Don’t Quit by Edgar Albert Guest When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slowYou may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor’s cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out- The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit- It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

5 years ago

Dalwyn McErlane

Thinking of you both, you got this…..best wishes Bernie & Dal

5 years ago

Condor

Gwyn Phee

Jane Cameron