Curtis Salgado Update

Here is the latest on Curtis Salgado's struggle with liver cancer. This press release is from his web site.

CURTIS SALGADO UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL LIVER TRANSPLANT SURGERY

Curtis Salgado underwent a successful liver transplant surgery on Saturday September 30, 2006 at The Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska according to his manager Shane Tappendorf.

The surgery which took approximately 6 hours was performed without complications and Curtis has now been moved out of the intensive care unit and a full recovery is expected. The singer, songwriter and harmonica idol was diagnosed with liver cancer March 23, 2006. Salgado's treatment included shrinking the tumor in June in Portland, OR and multiple evaluations at transplant centers around the country.

"I am fortunate to be under the care of an incredible team of doctors and nurses This transplant is truly a miracle - I have an enormous sense of gratitude to the donor's family and sincere sympathy for their loss," the 52-year-old performer said from his hospital bed this week. I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support by everyone at The Nebraska Medical Center, from my family, friends and fans and and from the citizens of Omaha. I thank them for their love and hospitality." Salgado's transplant was part of a record breaking 37 procedures in September, 17 of which were liver transplants.

The singer-songwriter and harmonica idol was raised in Eugene, OR where he is best known as the inspiration for John Belushi's character of Joliet Jake in the Blues Brothers as well as his six year involvement with the Robert Cray Band. Salgado went on to become a member of the Grammy Award winning band Roomful of Blues and enjoyed a short stint as vocalist for Santana. The former Handy Award nominee has currently been working in Nashville, TN on new material for his next album as a follow-up to his last three critically acclaimed CDs for Shanachie Entertainment.

In the Pacific Northwest, Salgado is also highly respected for his 17 year commitment to sobriety and for his continued dedication and countless speaking engagements in educating young people on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

In addition to the money raised from donations and benefits, Salgado was able to secure a substantial loan allowing for the transplant. A special account has been created for donations to help Salgado with medical costs, post surgery recovery, medications and repayment of the loans. Donations can be made for the "Curtis Salgado Fund" at any US Bank or can be mailed to US Bancorp, 2550 NW 188th Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124. For additional information, please visit www.curtissalgado.com.