All I can say is "d*mn" - life is complicated enough without having to deal with serious illnesses.

The Buddies’ drummer, Kim Collins, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her band leader, Coley Kennedy, has set up an online fundraiser to help with medical and living expenses.

Our friend, Kim Collins, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Please help us offset/assist with medical/daily living expenses to alleviate the financial burden.

Kim plays drums, sings, and plays the accordion in our band, The Buddies. She's the pretty one. Kim is also the better half of the folk-duo, Smoking Flowers, along with her husband of 12 years, Scott Collins.

TennCare will be providing Kim with some financial assistance. but it's merely a drop in the bucket compared to the many thousands of dollars in expenses that she and Scott will have to pay out of their own pockets.

Anyone who knows Kim, knows of her lust for everyday life, her passion for making and performing music, and how much she cherishes time spent with friends and family; and her dedication to living a healthy, and holistic lifestyle. Kim's a strict vegetarian. She meditates and practices yoga daily. Her body is truly her temple. She's kind, caring, and compassionate. and, she's also stubborn as a mule! and Kim does NOT accept defeat. So, of course, Kim's prepared to fight this head on. She's been strong and positive from day 1. In addition to surgery to remove the cancer, Kim has already begun (and will continue) a strict cancer fighting raw vegan diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For starters, Kim would love a nice food dehydrator. (see wish list on bottom right of screen).

We don't know what the total expenses will be, but we wanted to get something started. Whether you give $10 or $1000, or simply choose to pass this fundraiser along to someone else, know that Kim and Scott will be forever grateful of your generous contributions. Every little bit will help tremendously.