Mark “Bumpy” Bumgarner, long-time bassist for Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, was recently stricken with rheumatoid arthritis. Born in Granite Falls, North Carolina, Bumgarner began playing guitar in 1966 and joined Thackery in 2005. Diagnosed with RA in December, 2013, he was put on methotrexate, which can have life-threatening side effects and requires bi-weekly blood analysis. It also forced him to stop touring. Donations to help cover Mark’s medical expenses can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/ebf2ik.