Surfer Blood's Thomas Fekete Diagnosed with Cancer, Launches Crowdfunding Campaign

BY Alex HudsonPublished Apr 20, 2015

Surfer Blood are preparing to release their album 1000 Palms on May 12, but guitarist Thomas Fekete is not taking part in the promotion because he's sadly facing serious health issues. He's been diagnosed with "a very rare and aggressive cancer," and he's seeking funds to help pay for the treatment.

Fekete has started a GoFundMe campaign and is seeking $76,000. In a statement, he revealed that he recently underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his abdomen. The disease has since spread to his lungs and spine.

He will be undergoing chemotherapy and has a team of doctors who are "extremely confident in an alternative treatment plan," but this isn't fully covered by his health insurance.

Fortunately, Fekete seems to be in good spirits, and he writes, "I know this will soon be over like a bad dream." As of press time, his GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $16,000. Check it out here.

Read his full message below, along with a note from Surfer Blood.

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 wrote on Facebook:

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!

Surfer Blood will release 1000 Palms on May 12 through Joyful Noise/Fierce Panda.

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