Billy’s story: Making every note count

BILLY F.
LIVING WITH CANCER SINCE 1996

At Billy's jazz performance, the bass player taps a smooth, steady line of deep notes. The drummer brushes lightly across the top of the snare. Billy's fingers dance across the keyboard. From the music pulsing onstage and the mesmerizing atmosphere of the club, you can tell that Billy and his band members are accomplished musicians. One thing you would never guess, however, is that Billy has kidney cancer. He's been living with it for over two decades.

Throughout his many years with cancer, Billy has been playing, composing and teaching music. He first learned how to play the piano when he was seven years old, and he has never stopped learning and growing as a musician. "When I'm writing music, I feel a connection to a spiritual power—it's a healing affair." For Billy, music has been more than just a passion. In many ways, it has been his salvation.

Cancer is a shot across the bow that says, hey, you're not going to be here forever. If there are things you want to do, you better get busy.

Billy's long battle with cancer started suddenly on the way to New York. After some tests and appointments, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Billy underwent surgery, and for several years lived cancer-free. He credits the support of his wife, daughter and many good friends with helping him through his diagnosis and treatment. "One of the things I found out is that I had chosen my friends well."

In 2007, the cancer returned in his liver, lungs and brain. Billy's team has been there every step of the way, helping to make a treatment plan for his changing situation. Through it all, Billy has continued to play and compose music whenever he's able.

When I'm playing music, my mind is occupied with what I'm doing, so it can't be occupied with thinking about my cancer.

Billy stresses how important it is for people living with cancer to fill their lives with activities that are important to them. Whether it's family, music, a hobby, or a passion, it's critical to have something positive to focus on. "I think music is a healing force, and I can feel that in my writing and playing. When I'm feeling really sick, yeah, it's harder to play in those times. But the music's been very important to me."

Along with being a musician and a teacher, Billy hosts a weekly jazz radio show. He gives talks about music and cancer. He performs for church services. And he plays regularly with his trio and with his wife, Renee, who is also the vocalist in the band.

These days, Billy also focuses on advocating for people living with cancer and sharing his story to help inspire others. "I think if you have cancer for several years, and you're fortunate enough to be in fairly decent shape, it becomes a responsibility to try to help other people get through this experience."

One thing Billy has learned from his experience with music, and with cancer, is the importance of living in the moment. Jazz, in particular, requires you to continually improvise and approach every new situation with an open mind and a positive spirit. From these experiences, you might say that Billy has become a master of making every moment, and every note, count.