Lesbian singer-songwriter Reider dies at age 30

[Abacus]

Cincinnati-born singer-songwriter Katie Reider, an out lesbian active in the LGBT community, has died from complications resulting from a two year battle with a rare facial tumor. Reider, who has performed with such lesbian music icons as Melissa Ferrick, Michelle Malone and Catie Curtis, was just 30 years-old.

Reider was diagnosed with a myofibroblastic inflammation tumor two years ago, which eventually left her totally unable to continue performing. Although recent chemotherapy treatments seemed hopeful, Reider died from a sudden brain hemorrhage early on Monday morning.

A member of OutMusic.com, Reider was a frequent performer at gay pride celebrations and performed during her career with luminary musicians as Ferrick, Malone, Curtis, Antigone Rising, Ember Swift and Shawn Mullins. By 2006, Reider had already garnered thousands of fans nationwide and had done national spots on ABC television, Dawson’s Creek on WB and on Lifetime Television’s Strong Medicine. Then, at the peak of her musical career, Reider was suddenly stricken with a terrifying illness.

The young singer was diagnosed with a rare myofibroblastic inflammation tumor in her upper left jaw, which rapidly grew to eventually take away her sight in one eye, and finally, her voice.

http://pageoneq.com/news/2008/Lesbian_singersongwriter_Rieder_dies_at_0715.html

I went to high school with Katie; we ran in different circles and were never particularly close but I always had a great deal of respect and admiration for her. She was as genuinely a good of a person as I have ever met and she appreciated everything life had to offer her. I always knew she was going places and while I haven't talked to her since graduation, I Googled her from time to time to see what she was up to. Her death leaves a void in the universe that cannot be replaced.


Edit:

[BrklynLiberal]

1. How very sad. She was a lovely person with a beautiful voice.

[madaboutharry]

2. Heartbreaking.

I wish peace to all those who loved her.

[otohara]

3. Too Young RIP

Katie O8)

[closeupready]

4. Very sad. :(

:cry:

[kestrel91316]

5. How awful. She was a beautiful young girl. I am curious

as to whether or not she was a smoker. We know that smoking increases the risk of all sorts of cancers, and given that hers was such an oddball rare tumor, well, there's that ceaseless medical curiosity of mine.....

[Imagevision]

6. Only the good die young...