By Henry M. Holden 

Steve Hogan, aka “Hogie” is a guitarist, born in Bellevue, N.J. and raised in Morristown. “I didn’t have any plans after high school. I had an old Volkswagen bus and just drove around the country for a while.  I came back to Morristown, and I met my wife Amanda Zeiher, in 2002.” 

Another Amanda, Amanda Tahlmore, played a considerable role in Hogie’s life. “When I first saw him, I said to myself I have to meet this person.” 

“Amanda is a close friend of mine,” said Hogie. “We met in the Sweet Dreams café in Madison, in 2001. It was our home away from home.”  

Tahlmore believes the universe pulled them together. “He is one of three friends I call lifers,” said Tahlmore. “It goes beyond best friends. We would do anything for each other, and nothing can get in the way of that. He spent most of the first night I met him playing his guitar for me.” 

According to Hogie, that coffee shop was a very safe place. “I could play my guitar, no one picked on you, picked a fight with you, and nobody looked at you because you had long hair and tattoos.”

“I dress differently than others, but I have always been conscious of my demeanor. No one would ever be intimidated by me; even a heavily tattooed dude with a green Mohawk. People can read that in how I walk and how I smile.” 

Hogie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2020, and doctors started chemo immediately. 

The doctors noticed the chemo was shrinking the tumor, so they planned for a laparoscopic procedure.

However, once in surgery, they discovered it had spread to his stomach. “Even though it was not as planned, the surgical team was amazing. They removed the tumor on my pancreas and stomach.”

“We found it early because my mom had pancreatic cancer. I got to see the symptoms in her and I immediately recognized the symptoms in me. My mom was diagnosed in 2013, and she passed away 10 days later.” 

These days Amanda Tahlmore lives in North Carolina. “She was an ER nurse in Charlotte when I got the news of the cancer, I called my father, my brother, and Amanda (Tahlmore). Everyone else found out about it through Facebook. But I needed to tell those three people specifically.”

Even as an ER nurse during a pandemic, Tahlmore hopped a plane and spent two weeks helping Hogie and his wife get their bearings and coached the two on what to expect, and how to get through it. 

Hogie is sporting a green Mohawk these days. “My hair fell out during chemo.” 

Hogie is not a member of a band. “I just have a lot of friends that play, and I jump up and play my guitar with them.”

“My high school friend, Jill Kelly, and I formed a duet, Hogie and Jill. We go out and perform, but with the pandemic, and my cancer, it has slowed down our gigging schedule.”

Hogie’s wife found out about his cancer before he did. “I was working and was not able to answer my phone, so the doctor called my wife and gave her the news.

She had 10 hours to figure out not only how to tell me, but also how to change my diet for the better.”

“I had to quit all sugar, alcohol, white rice, and white pasta, and all carbs that are unnecessary. By eliminating all

that stuff, I ended up being healthier than I’ve ever been. I could not have done it had it not been for my wife putting on her game face and saying, ‘let’s get through this.’”

“This entire process has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I have a truly clear outlook on everything.”

As Hogie deals with the physical and emotional toll of his treatment, his friends pulled together and gave him a helping hand with the steep financial burden he carries.

HogieFest was sponsored by NJBreastfest, and I LOVE YOU MORE FOUNDATION. HogieFest, held on June 27, was a celebration of life, love, friendship, and music!!! There was an incredible line up of Hogie’s favorite venues at Bernie’s Hillside Lounge; Hogie & Jill, Terra Filia, Dave Murphy, Divided Sky, and Spare Tire Band!!!

 “We have all come across that one person in our life who is magnetic,” said Tahlmore.  “Hogie can draw the attention of everyone in a room with his witty stories, self-deprecating humor, warm smiles, and Hogie hugs.

“Every conversation starts with “Hello, friend!”  He’s the guy you call when your car breaks down and you need a lift. “Cold? He’ll take a ratty old jacket he’s wearing, and hand it to you before you can say no. Need a song?  pull up a chair!”  “Need a tattoo?  I happen to know the best artist in town with a not-so-subtle wink.” 

Tahlmore created a GoFundMe page for Hogie. “We all know how much he hates this GoFundMe thing, but if there was ever a time to need it, it’s now.  Hogie and Amanda have a lot on their plate.   The pancreas is responsible for breaking down food, and when it’s angry, it’s painful!   I’m mostly vegan, so I can tell you… a bowl of rabbit food is somehow as much money as a burger, but not as filling.”

“The subject of work has come up.  He needs to keep his job to keep his insurance.  But because of COVID, he’s out of sick days and PTO days.  And then there are medical bills that insurance won’t cover…. we all know how that is.”

“In other words, they need help with the challenges before them, and the ones to come.   Hogie is a real person.  He’s one of the good ones.  The REALLY good ones!”  There are no words for how many people’s lives Hogie has touched, and the magic he’s brought to each individual.  He’s really everyone’s friend!  Whatever you can contribute, would be a huge help!  And it is greatly appreciated!”

To donate to the GoFundMe, visit www.gofundme.com/f/hug-a-hogie.