I was introduced to Pat Spurgeon shortly after I moved to Oakland in 2005. It was outside of a show at the Ivy Room, and for some reason (probably whiskey) I kept calling him CAT. Despite my idiocy, he was super nice and we chatted briefly. Over the next year or so, I saw his band Rogue Wave play at different clubs and galleries around town, watching with Oaklandish pride as they began to get national attention.

A couple of days ago, an ex-coworker posted a link about a documentary called D tour, which chronicles Pat’s story (of which I was totally unaware). Faced with a failing kidney, a search for a donor, and twice daily dialysis, HE PROCEEDED TO GO ON TOUR.

I am completely in awe of his unyielding passion and positivity. Pat, you are truly an inspiration!