Long-time Parnelli Awards Stage Manager and FOH Magazine contributor Suzi Spangenberg is suffering from a deteriorating medical situation that is life-threatening if it can’t be successfully treated. A long string of medical appointments has left her with crushing medical debt, and a current stay at the Mayo Clinic will leave her more so. A friend has set up a Gofundme account to help her catch up on her bills and seek further answers and treatment.
“Like too many in our tribe, Suzi has fallen through the cracks of our health care and insurance systems and now needs our help,” says Parnelli Awards Executive Producer/Publisher Terry Lowe. “She has pledged to once again be part of the Parnelli Awards show on June 3rd, and we need to all make sure she is able to get there to be part of our 20th show, so please give generously.”
Her rare condition involves the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, etc. As of yet they’ve not discovered what is causing her heart rate and/or blood pressure to suddenly skyrocket randomly, which they must do to even begin to treat her condition. The condition forced her to leave her position as a hospice grief counselor two years ago, and the prolonged illness has caused her to extinguish her savings.
“Suzi has been absolutely essential to the Parnelli Awards,” says producer Kevin Mitchell. “Her specialty is sneaking surprise guest stars like Tom Petty and Garth Brooks in and out of the shows in addition to taking care of all the stars who come. She’s always been there for us and now it’s our turn to be there for her.”
