DEXTER's Brad Carter Seeks Help to Record Album

Actor Brad Carter is known for his roles in "Dexter," "CSI: New York," and other series. But today, the actor/musician is fighting a degenerative condition on his right hand and is asking his fans to help him finance a music album before his condition makes it impossible for him to play music.

Carter launched his campaign on the fund-raising Web site Kickstarter.com on Aug. 12 to raise the $45,000 needed to fund the album. The campaign is scheduled to end on the morning of Sept. 12 and can be accessed by visiting www.BradCarterKickstarter.com.

As a musician for much of his life, Carter has been suffering from condition called Essential Tremor for the past seven years, severely affecting his right arm, hand, and fingers, rendering his finger-picking style of guitar playing almost impossible. There is no cure for Essential Tremor, but his recent brain surgery had given him hope that he'd be able to achieve a life-long dream of recording a studio album.

Unfortunately, that surgery appears to have had limited success and doctors said Carter may need to have a second brain surgery to ease his tremors. But even with that procedure, doctors say it's only a matter of time before Carter loses the fine motor skills in his hands

"I didn't go through ALL OF THIS to give up now. Sitting around and wasting precious time while I lose the ability to control my own hands and fingers is not an option for me," Carter said. "I went through it so that I can record this album and keep living as a musician, artist, and an actor! I will fight it till the end."

The veteran actor is known to television viewers for his work in such series as "Dexter," "The Mentalist," "Bones," and many others. But his passion for acting is equaled by his passion for playing music, both guitar and banjo. His live shows over the years have filled venues both here and in his native Georgia with his catchy mix of folk-rock and country music.

But with his worsening condition, Carter is asking his friends and fans to donate to his cause which would realize his lifelong dream of recording an album of his most memorable songs.

"Many of the songs on this album were written during my seven years of confusion about what exactly was happening to me. Four of those years spent chasing the misdiagnosis of Lyme disease. At one point I was taking up to 5 antibiotics at a time and thought I was dying." Carter said. "This album will allow me to share that journey with the world. Hopefully, it'll inspire a few people out there who have gone through something similar."

Among those supporting Carter are Superstar skateboarder Tony Hawk who said "He's an awesome guitarist and a hilarious dude, and he deserves a chance before he can't actually play, but let's hope that medical technology allows him to keep playing." Tony, along with actors Jes McCallan (ABC's "Mistresses"), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (of "Smashed" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World"), and many others have lent their support or made recorded video messages on Carter's campaign page. Some have also donated some amazing perks, including an autographed skateboard from the legend himself, autographed photos and even personalized videos.

As part of the fund-raising campaign Carter is offering donors such items as a Deering "Good Time" Banjo, a visit to the recording studio, and a ticket to a private listening party at the Gibson Showroom in Beverly Hills. If Carter exceeds the goal, the remaining money will be used to produce a music video featuring actors Dayton Callie, W. Earl Brown, Geri Jewell, and Leah Cevoli all of whom worked together on HBO's "Deadwood." The video will be directed by Sean Bridgers, also of Deadwood.