Portland rock-scene stalwarts show their continued support of leukemia fighter
Breakout Newcomers TV Viking
Texan Tony Hilsmeier has been a mainstay of Portland’s music and restaurant scenes since his arrival in the ‘90s, but received an unwelcome surprise in December 2022—acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer affecting bone marrow. He had just bought the house that he is now fighting to keep. Three days after moving in, he spent 33 days in the hospital. Without aggressive medical intervention, Hilsmeier would most certainly be dead.
He looks back on his extended stays in Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute, with deep gratitude. He endured rounds of chemotherapy to allow a life-saving bone marrow transplant in June 2023.
breakout newcomers TV Viking
Hilsmeier’s health continues to be monitored by his OHSU medical team, and he recently received the promising news that his cancer has been in remission for one year. The bone marrow transplant was successful as Hilsmeier is currently in remission.
However, he now battles massive graft versus host disease (GVHD), which has severely damaged his eyesight. Additionally, the chemotherapy inductions have profoundly weakened his heart. This requires yet more expensive medication to avoid heart failure.
The 15-year employee of Serratto restaurant on Northwest 21st Avenue (where customers' kids know him as "Uncle Tony") has been unable to return to his formerly high-energy career. While aggressive treatment saved Hillsmeier’s life, his ongoing issues with GVHD have made his return to the workforce uncertain.
Hilsmeier has been a familiar presence in the local music scene for nearly three decades. He was the founding singer, songwriter and guitarist for seminal psychedelic Portland rock band Go Fever, among many other musical collaborations.
“I want the world to know that I’m not quitting but it’s been extremely difficult to beat back the fear of death, the battle of GVHD, and economic insecurity for this year-and-a-half,” said Hilsmeir. “I have this feeling deep inside that my story is not over. With the grace of my community, loved ones, oncologists and dear friends, I continue to believe in miracles. The blankets of love and support have made all the difference in this ongoing, arduous journey.”
Fortunately, since day one of his fight for life, Hilsmeier has had the local music community in his corner. His surrogate family of friends, bandmates and colleagues have raised the funds needed to cover his mortgage, medical and life expenses thus far. Those financial stresses have remained constant as he has struggled to stay in his Cully fixer-upper home and keep up with the costs of life and cancer.
“I went to the pharmacy one day to face another unwanted surprise. One bottle of medicine for GVHD cost $6,000. Through a patchwork of grants and generosity from this community, I keep digging to afford my care, stay in my home and thrive,” he said.
A benefit concert will be held in Hilsmeier’s honor at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 at The Showdown, 1195 S.E. Powell Blvd., featuring Portland rock legends Federale, Danava and breakout newcomers TV Viking, with DJ Stone Bunny on the turntables. Organizers are requesting a $30 minimum donation, or more if you can spare it. Tickets on sale now: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/a-mystery-guest-with-danava-the-showdown-tickets/13738043
A GoFundMe for Hilsmeier has been set up at https://gofund.me/1af4176b. Please consider contributing so Hilsmeier can focus his full energies on healing and regaining his strength while facing new health complications.