There had been no official word about Houser's health, not even a peep from the Widespread Panic family, until today, July 16th. Mikey addressed the fans, family and music community at large with the following words posted on the Widespread Panic Website:
Dear Widespread Panic community, and dear friends, Mikey here, with some thoughts and facts for you.
As some of you know, I have contracted a terminal form of cancer. I want to assure all of you that all that can be done has been done, and I want to thank all of you who have contributed information, medicine, and so on.
As for me, I am at my home in Athens, GA, surrounded by my family, and being well taken care of.
In the words of Lou Gehrig "Though some of you may have thought I have caught a bad break, I feel like the luckiest man in the world."
Between my best friends, J.B., Todd, Sunny, Dave and JoJo, and you, our friends, and best support group in the world, I feel strong and well taken care of.
I have hopes of playing again soon, although I can't say for sure when or where, and I hope to see you all there.
With much thanks and love,
Mikey
