By Sandy Meyer
Fox and Hounds British Pub in Brandon is sponsoring a fundraiser in September for Brandon resident Tim Weir. Weir was born and raised in Brandon and has been a well-known guitar teacher for more than 25 years.
Just two months ago, Weir had what was thought to be a stroke. Tests found a tumor in his brain and several weeks later he had a massive seizure which sent him back to the hospital. In just six weeks, the doctors had found that the tumor had tripled in size. Weir was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a rare and difficult to treat tumor. Due to the location on his brain, the doctors were unable to offer any treatment options to Weir and gave him just three months to live.
Weir’s wife Michele said that once they understood Tim’s diagnosis, they contacted Moffitt Cancer Center to see if there were any studies he could enroll in.
“We know we can’t help him, but hopefully studying his rare condition can help others someday,” Michele said. Moffitt immediately accepted him and found a bed for him in mere days.
Michele is also quick to thank Brandon Hospital and its employees for all they have done for Tim. “Everyone has bent over backwards and been so unbelievable and amazing,” she said.
Michele explained that it is her husband’s nature to help others, even in such dire times. “Anytime a charity would ask, he would donate,” she said. He also donated guitar lessons to special needs children and gave special pricing to those who didn’t have the means.”
Weir has two daughters, Taylor and Faith, and mounting medical bills, and now friends and family are rallying to give back to him. Fox and Hounds will hold a special benefit on Sunday, September 20 from 3–10 p.m. in which Billy McKnight, lifelong friend of Tim, and band Soul Circus Cowboys will perform along with a buffet and raffles. All donations and proceeds from certain sales will go toward Tim’s expenses. The pub is located at 129 E. Brandon Rd. For more information on how to donate or about the event, call Tracey at 438-8913.
