In the fourteen months that I've been writing for the Screengrab, I've been privileged to work with a number of excellent writers, whose work quite frankly puts mine to shame. One of these writers is the gifted and prolific D.K. Holm, who has been a sometime contributor to this site, and whose work can also be found on sites such as Kevin Smith's Quik Stop Entertainment, among others.

However, it has recently come to my attention that the Portland, Oregon-based Holm- Doug to his friends- has been suffering from esophageal cancer for some time. Thankfully, his disease is, in Holm's words, "very treatable," but given the lack of health insurance that comes with working more or less freelance, he's now faced with thousands of dollars of medical bills.

Because of this, some of Holm's friends and colleagues have organized a fundraiser, to be held on April 27 at the Cinema 21 theatre in Portland. In exchange for a suggested donation of $10 at the door, attendees will be treated to a roster of Portland-area entertainers, a screening of the latest film by local director Patti Lewis, a silent auction of local artwork and other prizes, and wine and hors d'oeuvres. One feature on the program that caught my eye was "Portland luminaries reading some of D.K.’s most deliciously vitriolic reviews and hate mail." Because like all of the best critics, he was capable of some doozies.

For those readers who live in and around Portland, I hope you'll be able to make it to this event. But if you're unable to attend, please consider joining me in making a contribution to the cause. Details on how to do this can be found on the Help D.K. Holm web site. It's rare to be able to give back to someone whose work you admire. I only wish the circumstances were different.