A Closer Look At The Peterson Family   

Dear Family and Friends-

My name is Patrick Peterson. Pictured with me are my wife, Ruth, and a 6 year old daughter, Jazmine, both who I love very much. We would like to begin by thanking you all for your prayers and on-going support during these trying months we have endured. It takes a lot of love and blessings to be here today, and we truly appreciate the outpouring of kindness we have received. 

As you may know, I have had a cancerous brain tumor removed on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Meriter Hospital in Madison. It was done by a surgeon that I have faith in, thanks to Ruth’s determination to get a second opinion. The surgeon told my wife and I that my tumor was an Astrocytoma, Grade IV cancerous tumor and it was operable.  

According to braintumor.org, tumors arising from glial cells, or glia, are called gliomas. There are many types of gliomas, including astrocytomas. When a brain tumor is detected, treatment decisions will be based on a variety of factors, including the risk posed by the tumor’s aggressiveness. Grade III tumors have actively reproducing cells lacking the structure and function of normal cells. They readily infiltrate adjacent normal tissue; it is not uncommon for recurrence at a higher grade after surgical treatment. 

Though the surgery has been done very well, according to the surgeon, I will still need both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help fight the remaining cancer cells in my head. The doctors feel that I am a strong and positive individual, and share that I have recuperated surprisingly well, thus far. Through this daunting experience for me and my family, I have remained positive and believe that God has given me a second chance.   

We have a long road ahead of us, and we plan to take it one day at a time. However, we could not do this alone and have you all to thank for your generosity and overwhelming kindness.  

Bless you all, your family and your friends! 

Pat, Ruth and Jazmine Peterson 

 

 Peterson Family Community Contributions:  

Patrick and his family have been deeply rooted in the community working with non-profit events for local and national organizations. Patrick puts as much time into music as he does organizing and promoting events to help people in need.   

From 1992 - present, Patrick has performed, booked, promoted and co-organized over 100 concert benefits for Children’s Burn Victims, Humanitarian Aid, Relay for Life, USA Soldiers, Salvation Army and many more.  

“Non-profit work may probably be one of my favorite things to do,” Patrick explains. “With my entertainment experience and event coordination, I’ve discovered that I’ve learned a lot and have the ability to bring a lot of contacts together for worth while causes.”   

One of the biggest events Patrick and his wife, Ruth, have worked with was The Second Street Hope Festival in May of 2007. From 6 pm-9 pm, the Petersons were able to raise over $10,000 in charitable donations (not including private donations) for 10 year old cancer victim Zach Heckman and his family.  

Another event Patrick promoted was for The Jack Hartmann Open in September 2007. Through his PR efforts, Patrick was able to secure multiple press lists, engage sponsors, print more than 200 free fliers and receive $500 in pre-event donations.  It was reported that the golf outing raised over $25,000 for the Hartmann family’s son, Jack, and their medical bills.

Other events The Petersons have participated in and/or organized include:  

• Robstock (September 2002, 2005 and 2006) - This event has raised food and donations for the local Whitewater Food Pantry.
• Fuzzy Pig Haunted House (September 2008 and October 2008) – Brought in 350 people to raise food donations for local communities.
• COSI, Salvation Army, Milwaukee Children’s Hospital fundraisers – Promotions to raise money for and awareness of these charities.
• Relay Walk for Life - regular participates in the walk and continued support/promotion of the event.
• The Jack Hartmann 2nd Annual Open (September 2008) – gave donations for raffles and charitable monetary gift.  
  

Patrick has found many other ways to give back to the community as well. He spent 14 years working as a professional job coach with direct care and manager duties at Homes for Independent Living. Patrick’s clients were disabled and/or traumatic brain injury victims - one of which he embraced and trained for over 12 years.   

“I don’t necessarily do this job for the money,” Patrick explains, “I do it for the gratification.”   

 

Patrick Peterson – Rocking Life: 

Patrick Peterson has had a passion for music all of his life. His vivacious spirit makes his music insatiable and compelling. And his motivation both on and off the stage, has brought many brilliant musicians together, throughout the years. People are drawn to his kind heart and invigorating energy.     

Since 1992, Patrick has been a music/arts business owner and a well-respected musician. The touring and/or successful groups he has been a major part of are Savage Myth (1992 - 1995), The Pipe Circus (1997 - present), a popular acoustic solo act (2006 - present), Sector 3 cover band (2007 - present) and Avengers Assemble (2007 - present).  

Patrick has played alongside incredibly talented and inspiring colleagues among a variety of genres.  

The Pipe Circus (funk/rock/reggae) has played in more than 15 states, over 50 festivals, 20+ colleges and was close to being signed by record labels twice.  That incredible group was an LLC business from about 2002 - 2009.   

“The Pipe Circus members have been like my family for over 10 years,” says Patrick. “They have been an amazing group to work with, and we share an amazing connection on stage.” 

Sector 3 and Avengers Assemble also have rave reviews and are climbing the ladder as well-known artists all over Wisconsin region.   

“Not only do I love and respect many of my musical colleagues,” Patrick says, “But I’ll list them as some of the best in the state.”  

With his groups, Patrick has opened up for major national acts like Candlebox, Hoobastank, Doobie Brothers and many more.  He’s played with different groups as a guest lead man. Patrick has performed with great reviews, written music/lyrics, recorded albums, booked/promoted/marketed shows, managed bands, engaged sponsors, run public relations resulting in interviews on radio and print, designed shows, made TV appearances, won honors in National song contests, among a slew of other honorable mentions.   

But it’s not just Patrick, his colleagues or his work that makes sensational music. It’s the people that have listened to, toured with, and supported Patrick and his groups along the way.  

“The people that I’ve played with, played for, and their families are the reason that I do what I do. I truly believe that God has given me talent, and I’ve learned the true direction I should take with it.” 

Since 1998, Patrick has also been a guitar and music instructor on Mondays and Tuesdays. Patrick has had a great number of students and constant referrals to his lessons, sometimes multiple family members at a time. Many of his students have ended up very successful, playing National band tours, and seeking higher education. Some of his students have found their way to a clean and right road. Others have become socially positive. Many have just become very good and interested in music.  

Patrick and his wife have recently begun a new business called Innabeat Music and Entertainment, LLC (June 2009). Innabeat brings a vast arrangement of performing arts and entertainment aspects into one business. From individual and group promotions, engaging sound companies and CD production to guitar lessons and booking shows for DJ’s/bands, Innabeat Music and Entertainment does it all.

“Our goals in life have always been very much the same. We both wanted to have our own business, but it had to be something we were passionate about.” Ruth explains, “Pat is passionate about his music, and I am passionate about Pat and his ability to be successful with his music. This business has brought us closer together and allows us both to showcase our talents and abilities. We have been so excited to take on the world and to see what we can accomplish together.”  

Patrick and Ruth look forward to growing their business in the years to come. With our help they can overcome the health issues at hand and the financial burden that it brings along to get them back on track and pursuing their dreams.   

“I am grateful to be here,” Patrick proclaims. “I thank God for my second chance. I thank my family for their bravery and my wife for being a rock. I thank my friends for their encouragement. I have so much to be thankful for. I am just amazed. I thank you all so much and look forward to spending my wonderful life with you.”  

For more information about Patrick and brain cancer, log onto:  

• Abta.org
• Braintumor.org
• Cancer.net
• CancerCenter.com
• Pipecircus.com/patrickjpeterson.html