East Bay community rallies to help beloved music teacher fighting stage 4 cancer

PLEASANT HILL, Calif, (KGO) -- A man who helped launch thousands of local garage bands and musicians in the East Bay is fighting for his life, but now his music family is stepping up to help.

Guitarist Steve Sage is what some would call the teacher of the real life school of rock.

In August, Sage was diagnosed with aggressive stage four bone cancer and has endured chemo and hormone therapy.

"There a huge musical community out and I didn't realize how big it was until this occured," Sage said.

For 26 years, Sage taught the rock rhythm and blues program at Diablo Valley College. He touched the lives of 8,000 students and helped form 2,500 bands.

"He's a talented. He's very professional and passes that all on to his students on how to become a musician and make their dream happen," said Sage's friend and musician Steve Sauvain.

"Many have moved into industry positions and many are still out there playing. He has the ability to transform people," said Joe Hayes, a former student.

Now that vast network of musicians is giving back to Sage. They've launched a Go Fund Me page.

"To date we've raised $17,500," said former student Michael Moore. "We'd like to raise "75,000. We said an audacious goal. Go big, so we'll see."

A fundraising concert is scheduled for March 13 at Vallejo's Empress Theater featuring a long roster of rock bands. On the auction block, a guitar signed by Journey to help pay for the debilitating medical bills.

"Music brings people together. That's what we're here for," Sage said.

Click here to donate to Steve Sage's Go Fund Me account.