WHEN Carter Widmor found out that he had brain cancer five years ago, he decided to leave a legacy by teaching guitar lessons.
Widmor was born in an Amish community in Ohio where he spent the first 16 years of his life. Despite a still ongoing battle with cancer, he moved to Los Angeles, California where he learned how to play the guitar and design websites.
Last year, he moved to Saipan and instantly fell in love with the island community.
“I love the people I met at Saipan Community Church, and I love the way of life here, much slower and more relaxed than the states — housing is affordable, and some people are very considerate,” he said in an interview.
He said he has experienced simple acts of kindness that touched him deeply.
“Sometimes when I’m just buying a can of soda at the store, people in Saipan will often let you in front of the line if they have a lot of items. I never saw that living in the states,” he added.
Widmor was orphaned at a young age and there were times when he felt that life was pointless. But now he sees hope because of the people who have never given up on him.
“I try to remember all the sacrifices made by people who loved me and tried to help me in a world that’s growing darker and colder by the day. One person really can change the world, or their community, especially on a small island like Saipan,” he said.
When not playing music, he teaches people how to play the guitar. Clients who go to his place for a lesson pay $10 while those he visits pay $15.
“I also play piano, bass and drums as well as the ukelele,” he said. His favorite band is Thin Lizzy.
“I would love to make my own music. Right now, my only original is ‘Low Battery’ which was written in honor of Wayne Schwartz, a teacher in Guam who passed this month. I hope to expand my gear soon so I can try my hand at making a fully original song,” he added.
If you’re interested in guitar lessons, go to https://carterjams.com/.
Web design
Widmor is also a professional web designer, and among his clients are Micronesian Car Rental, Northern Marianas International School, and Marianas Business Plaza.
Widmor said he is accepting new projects and long-term contracts.
He is determined to win his fight against cancer and will appreciate any assistance that can help him in his journey.
For more information, call him at (670) 785-2313 or visit his website at carterjams.com/.
You can also subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@wicked3564
Carter Widmor finds hope in music.
Carter Widmor, right, teaches a guitar student.
