Over the years I’ve been going to Reno to party, many times going to Fritz’s bar. The owner Derek, is a snowboarder and a very cool guy. He’s hosted numerous video premiers and rail jams in his parking lot. He’s created a cool scene in the stereotypical jock/hick area of Reno… and unfortunately it’s coming to an end.
Sadly he’s closing the bar at the end of the month. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with cancer, and needs the sale to support his treatment. I’m doing what I can to help him out, please help if you can also.
Here’s an article from Reno’s KTVN Channel 2 News:
It’s a fixture in town.
You’ve probably stopped by or perhaps have seen it right there near U.N.R. campus.
The owner of Fritz Bar and Grill is facing an uncertain future. Morg and his friends get together for a Thanksgiving meal. But, this is the last year they’re getting together because the owner has put the bar up for sale, its doors are closing just next month.
“I’m trying to sell it to get money for the bone marrow transplant,” says Morg.
Early this year, Derek Morg was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease. Chemotherapy treatments began in July. But, the worst news came about a week ago.
“It’s the most aggressive form,” adds Morg.
A bone marrow transplant is Morg’s only hope for survival and it has to happen soon.
Jonathon Chapin, Morg’s best friend says, “He has 6 months to live. If he gets a bone marrow transplant he’s got a 40% chance.” Morg explains, “They give you a real hard dose of chemo. But, they take your bone marrow out first. Freeze it. And then they basically kill all your cells and give your own bone marrow back to ya.”
Since he’s self-employed, he never really looked into getting health insurance for himself. “We’re looking for Medicaid assistance. It makes it a little more hard since he owns a small business. It makes it difficult to fill out the applications.” says Morg’s girlfriend, Kara Knespler.
Now, he’s selling the bar he opened six years ago.
“Having to close your business is hard. Having to close because you’re sick and battling to survive makes it even harder,” says Morg. Knespler and their friends gather for a last thanksgiving meal inside Fritz. “He’s willing to fight. There’s a lot of people in his corner willing to fight with him. Do what we need to do to make things happen.” says Chapin.
Looking at hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills is scary.
All of Morg’s family lives in Chicago, so it’s these friends who are coming together to help put on fundraisers and benefits for the bone marrow transplant. The transplant will happen at Stanford Medical Center in January. “We’re trying to network as hard as we can to get local businesses and people to not only spread the word, contribute what they can.” says Chapin.
Fritz will close on December 20th, the last day of the semester.
“I hope it remains a college bar because I think a lot of people had a lot of fun. It’s what’s needed around this area.”
Morg says after his bone marrow transplant he’ll be coming back to Reno to recouperate and start all over again.
To Contribute:
The Derek Morg Fund
2692 Spearpoint Drive
Reno, NV 89509
Upcoming Event to Benefit Derek Morg
Punk for a Cause
Fritz Bar and Grill
December 6th, 2008
1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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