Style Weekly
Former Richmond Musician Suffers Debilitating Stroke
by Wayne Melton
Former Richmond rock musician Dan Duggins was in a hospital in New York in late April when he suffered a stroke that left him completely paralyzed. Only 34, Duggins was initially diagnosed with locked-in syndrome, aware of his surroundings but unable to move.
Since then Duggins has been able to breathe on his own, show facial expression and move both legs, according to his wife, Jo Ann, an employee at the Martin Agency.
Duggins was on the way to perform in his band Zigmat when complaints of dizziness and confusion prompted band mates to take him to the hospital for evaluation, his wife says.
An accomplished drummer, Duggins is formerly a member of Hot Rod Circuit and the seminal Richmond indie-rock band Lazycain. He moved to New York in 2005 to further his career.
Jo Ann Duggins says the couple hope for a full recovery, but expect a difficult struggle. Her first goal, she says, is getting her husband moved from his hospital room in New York to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
Duggins has no insurance. Friends and family are trying to raise funds for his medical bills. They've set up a PayPal account for donations, dandugginstrust@gmail.com, and have already launched fundraising efforts.
One will be a show by Jack's Mannequin, an Orange County, Calif., band whose bassist, Jon Sullivan, is one of Duggins' oldest friends. This benefit is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, at Alley Katz.
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