Waukesha County Bromance Helps With Cancer And Coronavirus

WAUKESHA,WI — The year 2020 has been described as a dumpster fire. Between the election, pandemic and civil unrest — along with everyday problems — the year has lived up to its name.

Two longtime friends in Waukesha County say they have been lucky to have each other through life's ups and downs.

Steve Barron of Waukesha recently recovered from the coronavirus and thankfully didn't have any respiratory issues. His aunt died last week from the coronavirus. Due to his parents being high-risk, the family opted to cancel the annual Thanksgiving gathering. The holiday is when they pick names for holiday shopping. Barron said they will have to do it virtually this year or by mail.

Barron posted on Facebook, "Barron's Thanksgiving has been canceled this year at our parents ... Too risky right now to even think of my parents getting sick !!! I got it , my brother got it , my aunt passed away from it .... Nope not happening !!! What sucks is i don't mind staying home, watching football, Macy's parade ( is that happening ?) .....but no black Friday shopping ...lame AND I DONT COOK !!!!!!"

Barron said he received a text from his friend Keith Pulvermacher, a musician from Oconomowoc, that said he is bringing him two meals that day. Barron told him the post was meant to be funny, that he will be home alone but has an old school arcade game to keep him busy. Pulvermacher insisted since he knows the pandemic has caused Barron, who does sanding work, to be behind on his jobs.

What was especially moving to Barron was the fact that Pulvermacher hasn't been able to put on shows due to the pandemic and because he also is battling cancer.

"I'd do anything for that guy; and just for him to be thinking of me and saying, 'I gotcha,' that's just him [Pulvermacher]," Barron told Patch.

He updated his Facebook to say:

"UPDATE !!!!! With Thanksgiving canceled at my parents this year for safety reasons due to the Pandemic . I posted i dont cook and to be honest the last month has been terrible but i would truly like to thank my brother Keith Pulvermacher for being the great friend that he is reached out today and said " Hey man i got you , Thanksgiving meal will be delivered on Thanksgiving at 10:30 a.m. annnnd i got you another meal for left overs cuz you gotta have them . Keith i love you man !! To all dudes who dont have a Bromance like we got .....you dont got ... Its special, i tell ya , Come On !!!!!!! Lol."

A Waukesha County bromance

The Barron and Pulvermacher bromance started over 20 years ago at a bowling alley. Barron was bowling at the former Red Carpet Lanes in Waukesha, and the bar inside had live music.

He struck up a conversation with Pulvermacher, who was sitting at the bar. Both men rattled off bands they liked such as Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon and Journey.

After bowling, Barron heard a cool Jimmi Hendrix beat and realized it was Pulvermacher on stage. Barron said Keith told the audience he was bringing up "his new friend Steve-o," and they sang together.

"We have been friends ever since," Barron said.

Barron was there for Pulvermacher after his dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. He organized a benefit for Keith's dad, who ultimately died in 2019. His father became like a second father to Barron, Pulvermacher told Patch.

His father, also a musician, taught his children about generosity and kindness. It was those qualities that helped him as life threw another curveball.

Last December, Pulvermacher was diagnosed with cancer.

Pulvermacher is currently battling multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells. Keith earns a living and supports his family through his art, live performances and teaching students music.

The pandemic has left him unable to perform or teach because he cannot risk the health complications related to the coronavirus. He has been undergoing treatment, including two-week isolation in the hospital for a stem cell transfer.

"My mantra in my music is we have to take care of each other," Pulvermacher said.

Barron organized a fundraiser for his friend on Facebook and raised $40,000. There is a new website set up for fundraising for him.

Pulvermacher said his friend Barron has had his own struggles but has a "big heart." The musician continuously lives up to the messages in his songs by being a good friend and being there for others.

"The Thanksgiving thing was easy," Pulvermacher said.