Poet and reciter
Rusty
McCall has faced multiple surgeries, radiation, and
ongoing treatment for his neurofibromatosis condition. He
enrolled in a drug trial in Fall, 2009.
[February, 2009 photograph
©
Lori Faith Merritt, www.photographybyfaith.com]
UPDATE 1/25/10:
Deanna McCall sends a positive report about Rusty's
progress: "The radiologists say it looks like the
center of Rusty's most dangerous tumors appear to
be dying. His hearing continues to improve and he can
almost use the phone by rigging it up with amplifier and
hearing aid. And, we got the majority of treatments moved
to Las Cruces."
UPDATE 9/16/09:
Deanna McCall reports that Rusty has decided to enter a drug
trial with the hope of treating his inoperable tumors, which
press on his brain stem. Deanna says that the first few
treatments will be in Albuquerque, and that they hope eventually
the treatments can be done in Las Cruces. The drug is given
intravenously for 30 minutes every other week. She writes, "It
has shown some promising results, so we are hopeful."
You can write to Rusty and the McCalls at PO BOX 376,
Timberon, NM 88350-0376.
Arizona photographer
Lori Faith Merritt
(www.photographybyfaith.com)
has photographs and an interview with Rusty, titled "Rusty
McCall: Punchin’ Cows instead of Clocks"
here
on her blog at www.lorifaithmerritt.com.
Find previous updates and
photos here.
Previous updates:
UPDATE
1/26/08:
Rusty
performed at the
25th Annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, despite his serious
hearing and balance problems. Rusty made his first appearance at
the gathering at age 3, in 1989. He has performed there many
times since, sometimes along with other the other poets and
reciters in his ranching family, including his parents, Dave and
Deanna
McCall, and his sisters Terri and Katie. Rusty faces major
brain tumor surgery soon after this year's event. Regretfully,
the surgery has caused him to have to cancel a scheduled
appearance at the 17th
Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering in Sierra
Vista, Arizona, in February.
A January 23, 2008 article by Steve Crump, "
One
Very Brave Idaho Cowboy Poet,"
in Idaho's Times News, tells more about Rusty's
experience and health challenges. Rusty attended the College of
Southern Idaho.
UPDATE:
Popular poet and reciter Rusty McCall—who
has faced multiple surgeries, radiation, and ongoing treatment for his
serious neurofibromatosis condition—now faces major brain
surgery on March 5, 2009, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
To help offset the many expenses of care and
treatment for Rusty's condition, a "stay-at-home"
benefit and associated fund has been
created.
Find all of the information
here, including how to contribute by mail or electronically. You can also donate
directly and/or write to Rusty and the McCalls at
PO Box
376,
Timberon, NM 88350-0376.
Award-winning
deejays Andy Nelson
and Jim Nelson of the popular syndicated Clear
Out West (C.O.W.) Radio
show have created a
special
"stay-at-home"
benefit show for Rusty McCall.
The show
airs live during the week of March 2, 2009,
broadcast on many radio stations.
It is available for listening
on demand
here
at the Clear Out West web site starting Wednesday,
February 25, 2009.
The special show created by the "C.O.W.
boys" includes some of Rusty's favorite Western music and cowboy
poetry, with selections by
Dan Roberts (www.oldbootsmusic.com),
Chris Isaacs
(www.chrisisaacs.com),
Dave Stamey
(www.davestamey.com),
Ross Knox,
Mike Beck (www.mikebeck.com),
Gail Steiger,
Joel Nelson,
and
Deanna McCall.
UPDATE 3/5:
Deanna McCall
writes, after Rusty's March 5 surgery:
Just a note to let you know Rusty was operated
on for 8 hours and is now recovering. He will experience
temporary deafness for a period of a few days to 6 weeks due
to fluid in the ear. Please continue your prayers as this is a
critical time. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our
hearts. God bless all of you!
Dee, Dave & Family
UPDATE 3/9:
Rusty continues to recover after the
surgery, and they expect he will remain hospitalized for several
more days.
UPDATE 3/13:
Rusty is at home. The family and doctors agreed that he could
continue his recovery at home, and when the brain swelling has
lessened, he will have outpatient therapy. Deanna says that at
the news he was going home, Rusty " lit up like a lamp." He is
weak and cannot walk unassisted, and he faces a long recovery
and rehabilitation. The McCalls are grateful to all whose
friendship and caring have helped Rusty and the family through
this difficult time.
UPDATE 3/24:
Rusty is continuing to improve, and has started rehabilitation
in Ruidoso.
South Dakota rancher 
