Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete announced today that he has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. As the Florida-based musician continues treatment, including chemotherapy this week, a GoFundMe page has been established to help him with rising medical costs.
Fekete also revealed that he recently had surgery to remove “a large tumor” from his abdomen, but the cancer, a sarcoma, has spread to his lungs and spine. He left Surfer Blood earlier this year right after the announcement of new record 1000 Palms, which is out May 12. Though he will not be joining Surfer Blood on their upcoming tour, he did record the new album with the band.
As news spread this morning, Fekete’s GoFundMe page has raised nearly $20,000 of its $76,000 goal in one day.
Here is the musician’s statement:
Hey all,
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 my spine.
The lesion on my lower spine will be treated with radiation, and I’ll also start chemotherapy this week. 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. 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. If you can’t help, no worries whatsoever, all I ask is that you spread the word. Any extra funds collected when this is all said and done will be donated to further my doctor’s alternative cancer research. I not only feel great, but I am in great spirits, and I know this will soon be over like a bad dream. Please take care of yourselves, enjoy every single day. Life is beautiful. Love and light always.
-Thom
Surfer Blood also released a statement today, via Facebook, reading:
Thomas has been playing guitar in Surfer Blood for nearly 6 years, but since December has been sidelined by treatment for cancer. We miss him everyday 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. Thank you so much for the support!
Listen to Surfer Blood’s 2010 song, “Swim,” below.