Whitefish musician John Dunnigan fell ill earlier this year with a severe case of acute pancreatitis. Family, friends and fans from around the country have been doing their best to offer support during Dunnigan’s run with this serious health condition.

According to Scott Moore — a friend and spokesman for the family who has set up the website www.helpjohndunnigan.wordpress.com in order to keep the public updated — Dunnigan underwent successful surgery on March 20.

“The surgery was 3 1/2 hours long and included removing John’s gallbladder, the infected part of the pancreas and deflation and removal of a rather large cycst,” Moore wrote. “Recovery time is going to be extended because they had to go through the stomach in order to get to the infected area ... The great news is that after the surgery, the surgeon said that if John had not had the surgery, things could have gone down hill really fast. He said it was a total success!”

Dunnigan is sorely missed on the local music scene, but according to Moore likely still has some serious recovery time ahead before he’ll be able to take the stage again.

Updates on Dunnigan’s condition as well as links for donation opportunities can be found at www.helpjohndunnigan.wordpress.com.