Few things in this world are more healing than music, and maybe that is why local music communities so often come together in support of their own.
On Saturday, members of the San Marcos metal community, friends and family will come together to benefit local guitarist Jimmy Medina Saturday May 17 at Ragnar’s on the Compound. Doors will open at 3 p.m. with music starting at 4 p.m., featuring a line-up of local favorites including Eagletone, Lit Up, Undercover Killas, Audio Outlaws, Steel Hawk and Ambiguous. Proceeds raised from this event will go to help cover Medina’s medical bills and ongoing therapy.
On July 4, 2024, Medina suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in the basal ganglia area. This type of stroke is considered severe with a 70% mortality rate.
“It is not common to have that type of stroke and survive as I have,” Medina said.
Medina was hospitalized for a month before moving to an in-patient rehab at Texas Neuro Rehabilitation Hospital in Austin, where he continued treatment for an additional two months. During that time, Medina began walking on his own again and was released to continue rehab through outpatient programs. This week, Medina will begin occupational therapy at Endeavor-San Marcos, but he still has a long way to go.
“I'm at a point in my life, I need help,” Medina said. “The recovery has taken longer than I hoped and the financial burden of the whole situation has been challenging. I worked as an Executive Chef and have been out of work since July 2024. So I've decided to ask for assistance from family, friends, and the public through a Gofundme page and now a benefit concert at Ragnar’s.”
A hemorrhagic stroke in the basal ganglia brain can affect movement, language, mood and other critical functions. For Medina, the stroke paralyzed his right hand, rendering him unable to play guitar.
“I have played guitar for 30 years and that has come to a complete halt due to my right hand still being paralyzed from the stroke,” Medina said.
The QR code on Medina’s Facebook page (facebook.com/jimi. medina.79) links to the GoFundMe page for Join Jimmy’s Fight For Recovery.
“I've received great support from the local businesses I always frequented through their kind words and donations,” Medina said. “I am truly grateful for all the help received from everyone. Most of the bands performing the event at Ragnar's have ties with me either through being in the same band, doing shows together and/or supporting each other through music. I look forward to this event and seeing everyone who can make it. I've missed spending time with everyone and am ready to jam.”
Doors open at Ragnar’s May 17 starting at 3 p.m. to support Jimmy Medina in his fight for recovery. Scan the QR code above to donate or visit Jimmy and friends at Ragnar’s for a day of music, community and support for a good cause.
