Woodhands Reuniting to Help Fund Former Member's Cancer Treatment

BY Alex HudsonPublished Mar 30, 2015

Woodhands haven't been up to a whole lot in recent years, but the Toronto electro duo are planning to reunite this year to benefit original member Pat Płaczek, who is sadly battling an aggressive form of leukemia.

Płaczek used to play in Woodhands, and he co-wrote the song "Dancer" from the band's 2008 album Heart Attack. He lives in Vancouver, where he has played in projects like Screaming Eagles, Siphonophore and World Peace.

The 34-year-old previously overcame epithelial sarcoma, but he was then diagnosed with leukemia. Płaczek has had five rounds of chemotherapy and had a stem cell transplant from his brother. Unfortunately, none of this has worked, and he now has just one option: a promising experimental treatment at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. This will cost $420,000 US ($532,938 CDN). According to a CityTV news report (below), the treatment apparently has a 90 percent success rate.

A fundraiser is underway, and as of press time has raised $114,619 of its $400,000 goal.

Meanwhile, Woodhands members Dan Werb and Paul Banwatt (now of the Rural Alberta Advantage) are planning a Woodhands reunion gig this summer, with all proceeds going to Płaczek's medical care.

Stay tuned for information about Woodhands' reunion plans. In the meantime, check out the fundraiser here, where you can donate to the cause.

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