Season for Caring Update: Austin Rallies Around Local Musicians The Hammills

As we close out another Season for Caring campaign, we wanted to share an inspiring story of community support for two beloved local musicians, Ed and Victoria Hammill. Their journey represents both the challenges working musicians face and how our community comes together to help those in need.

Ed and Victoria's mornings were filled with the harmonious blend of guitars, keyboard, violin, viola, and ukulele for decades. Like their 31-year marriage, their music was a testament to their deep artistic connection. However, their lives took a dramatic turn in January 2019 when Ed suffered a catastrophic car accident that led to multiple surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and memory challenges.

Victoria, 65, has shown remarkable resilience, balancing her role as a full-time music teacher with caring for Ed, 73. Their modest one-bedroom Pflugerville apartment serves as a home and music studio, though space constraints make teaching challenging.

Despite Medicare Advantage coverage, they've faced significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. They survive on Ed's Social Security and Victoria's teaching income, while also managing Victoria's health challenges, including a leaky heart valve. Yet through it all, their spirit remains unbroken. As Ed stated, "I've gotten through it with faith. And with Victoria. She grabbed the bull by the horns, and then I knew I would get through it. The will to live is really strong."

HAAM recognized the Hammills' needs and nominated them for community support. Their needs range from practical items like bathroom essentials and filing cabinets to music-related equipment necessary for Victoria's teaching business. Most critically, they need assistance with housing costs and medical expenses.

Over this past holiday season, our local community recognized that our local musicians don't just enrich our culture – they're vital members of our community who sometimes need our support in return. Folks stepped up to help the Hammills, and their story reminds us that even in difficult times, music and community can be powerful sources of healing and hope.

Thank you to the King family for donating a power lift chair and to Dave Mauldin for donating a room divider screen and assisting with some home repairs, including mounting the Hammills' TV onto the wall to save them some space in their apartment!

HAAM would like to thank Firehouse Animal Center - Round Rock, Kelly Lane Branch of the University Federal Credit Union, dentist Dr. Kavin Kelp, and Factory Mattress for donating goods and services. If you are interested in donating directly to the Hammills, items they need can be purchased through their Amazon wish list and direct cash donations can be made via https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring. Additional thanks go to the Austin American-Statesman for running the Season for Caring program year after year to support local communities!