The news has been depressing across the nation. There's also been a lot of talk about helpers, hope and community togetherness.

In Tacoma exists a bittersweet story of heartache and struggle, and a strong community coming together for support.

Sunday afternoon at The Swiss, seven bands come together at a benefit show for a local woman, Nicole Skoog, a 31-year-old who suffers from a debilitating condition called occipital neuralgia.

Blues Redemption, Crazy Texas Gypsies, Dean Reichert, Raphael Tranqilino, James King and the Southsiders, Rod Cook (Vicci Martinez Band) and Paul Green will rock the blues to help offset the costs of surgery and recovery that are not covered by insurance.

Doug Skoog is Nicole's father, and is also a member of Blues Redemption and Crazy Texas Gypsies. He writes an explanation of Nicole's condition, "It is a rare congenital abnormality that causes numerous occipital and cranial nerves to run though the muscles below her scalp.  Several car accidents many years ago and a worker's comp injury has triggered severe muscle spasms that have limited the blood supply to these nerves, triggering the inflammatory process and producing scar tissue that further enhances her pain.  She suffers from chronic daily migraines every waking moment.  Her life the past 12 months has been taken away from her and she has been unable to do what she loves, which is working as an ER Trauma RN helping others."

The much-needed cranial resection and occipital nerve decompression surgery was completed last week, and is looked at as a rare condition by the medical community, says Skoog.

"Because it's rare, the insurance companies are finding every way to get out of this," he says, exasperation in his voice. "My credit cards are maxed and I've exhausted my savings."

Skoog says his daughter is moving in with him, and they will work on the road to recovery together. He hopes Nicole will finish her master's degree in emergency room care, and continue the nursing career she loves.

Skoog raised $1,500 at his birthday party in August and hopes to put a dent in the remaining $4,900 medical bill, as well as offset the other costs such as travel and medication expenses.

This is where the helpers jump in, offering community support and service.

"I met with Ray Haden of Maurice the Fish Records, and it was a great meeting," says Skoog. "We are getting so much help. I hadn't done much promotional stuff, but more bands keep wanting to play. It's blown me away how many want to help.

I don't want to cry, but it's amazing."

The suggested donation is $10. There will be prizes and special thanks for larger donations, including private performances by Skoog and his bands.

THE SWISS, SUNDAY, DEC. 23, 4-9 P.M., $10, 1904 JEFFERSON AVE., TACOMA, 253.572.2821