Tootie Hiles
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | INDIE
Music
Press
"IN one day my life went from absolute bliss to hell and it hasn't turned back."
On December 7, 2006, a 40-year-old Tootie Brackin was told she had a brain tumour.
Fifteen months later, she will need as much fight as her legendary boxing trainer dad Sel to win her battle for life.
After surviving one operation, during which a third of her brain was removed, she is facing the surgeon's scalpel for a final time.
An American specialist will attempt to remove her "inoperable" second tumour in a procedure in Sydney on May 23.
Anybody who knows the Brackin clan appreciates their legend in the ring and it was Mrs Brackin's fighting spirit which ensured she was chosen by Brisbane surgeons for the operation.
"This bloke is going to have a crack at it, but if he can't take it all it's a palliative care situation," she said.
"There is also a huge chance brain damage will be done.
"We don't know until we go in what the outcome will be but if I don't give it a go, I'm going to die."
The Warwick entertainer has lost her teeth, her raven hair and her energy, but a livewire known for such CD releases as You can't make love with your jeans on has not lost her spunk, reminiscing yesterday about her most popular release: "it was a stupid name but it sold like hotcakes".
The tumour has stolen the dame of the Warwick entertainment scene's strength to perform her famed five-hour gigs with "everything from Suzie Q to Acca Dacca".
"They had to cut a jaw bone when I had the brain done and I can't talk or sing for long before it swells up," she said.
"That's been tough."
It all started when she suffered several blackouts two days after her 40th birthday.
"I just thought I was getting old and needed glasses," she said.
A CT scan revealed a far more serious prognosis which devastated her husband Paul and children, aged 15, 19 and 20.
"Before I go, I want to spend some full-on days with my kids they're at the age when they need a mother," she said.
"I'm also in the middle of writing a folk album and all I'm hoping is that I finish it before I die."
Universal Hotel publican Terry Hangan will host a dinner tomorrow to pay for Mrs Brackin's husband and three children to travel to Sydney to be by her side during the operation.
"He's doing the best thing in the world but I hate it," she said.
"It was always me performing to raise money for other people, I never imagined I'd be at the receiving end."
Mr Hangan said Warwick businesses had rallied behind the singer.
"She was always the first person to donate her services and we had an exceptional response," he said. - Warwick Daily News: MADELEINE LOGAN
Discography
Can't Make Love With Your Jeans On, Falling In Love, A Little Touch Of Heaven, Tootie Rocks, The Real Me, 100% Gospel,
Photos
Bio
Tootie has just released her first Couyntry rhythm and blues album. she is such a versatile musician and she is kicking butt all over Australia. Her new album is entitled "The Real Me" and all the material is Tootie's original songs. To her excitement she has just got into the USA top 5 song competition for her song "Because I'm Here With You". Tootie says, "Her love of music will never stop,she craves it." A very laid back hippie chick with a voice like Janis Joplin, she creates some of the best written songs i have ever heard, and shes all ours and all Australian! Her five piece band " Two Moon Junction" are all pro session players for right tracks studio and dangar productions. With over 15 years experience they are very talented players. Warren Black is the other vocalist and can perform any cover song chucked his way.. He Rocks! Tootie and Two Moon Junction will bring down any venue from their home town of Toowoomba as far as Alice Springs. She has always been very selective of who she has in her band and i can only say you won't be disappointed with Tootie and Two Moon Junction. They will kick the country & Blues wagon all the way!
Links
