Seeking the help from his fans, Surfer Blood’s Thomas Fekete launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to raise $76,000 for his medical bills. The alternative rock band’s guitarist revealed the news that he was diagnosed with the rare cancer, which continues to spread throughout his body:
“A few months back, I had a major surgery to remove a large tumor from my abdomen. I was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer (a sarcoma), which unfortunately has moved. A few days ago, my doctors informed me that it had spread to my lungs and spine. The lesion on my lower spine will be treated with radiation, and I’ll also start chemotherapy this week.”
Explaining what other options he has, Fekete shared:
“Because my cancer is so rare, there is very little research on it (cancer treatment is a business after all), so going to a typical doctor and getting loaded with all types of drugs would probably kill me. However, I found a doctor who is on the cutting edge of cancer treatments, and we have assembled a team of brilliant doctors who all seem to be extremely confident in an alternative treatment plan, to complement the chemotherapy.”
Unfortunately, the musician noted that this plan isn’t exactly inexpensive and why he is looking to the public for funding:
“Because these doctors are doing things a bit differently, insurance will only cover a portion of my treatment. I never in my life thought that I would be asking for money publicly, but the universe works in funny ways.
“Any bit of help would be massive for me, as I’m no longer able to tour and make a living, and my wonderful wife/best friend, whom I just married in November, will now be leaving work to help me throughout my treatment. Any extra funds collected when this is all said and done will be donated to further my doctor’s alternative cancer research.”
In a recent statement, the other Surface Blood bandmates encouraged others to fund the project in hopes that the money will help in Fekete’s cancer battle:
“Thomas has been playing guitar in Surfer Blood for nearly six years, but since December has been sidelined by treatment for cancer. We miss him every day on the road but we know he is incredibly strong and we have faith in him, and in his doctors. We hope you can help with a donation of any size, and help spread the word by sharing on social media.”
Since its launch on Sunday, the campaign has successfully raised close to $48,000 from over 1,100 backers/fans.
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