Surfer Blood play Riot Festival in Chicago
Photo: Kirstie Shanley

Surfer Blood, Cults, Julianna Barwick, Marnie Stern, Kip Berman & more playing benefit for Surfer Blood's Thomas Fekete (who's fighting cancer)

photo: Fekete w/ Surfer Blood at Riot Fest Chicago 2013 (more by Kirstie Shanley)
Surfer Blood

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.

The above message is from Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete, who’s currently raising money on GoFundMe to help with his medical bills for his cancer treatment.

In addition to that fundraising campaign, a handful of artists will be coming together to play a benefit in NYC to raise money for Thomas as well. It happens Tuesday (5/12) at Bowery Ballroom and includes Surfer Blood, Cults, We Are Scientists, Julianna Barwick, Kip Berman (of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart), Marnie Stern & the Figs (w/ members of Les Savy Fav & Girls Against Boys), POP ETC (acoustic), Andy Boay (of Tonstartssbandht), and DJ Allen Blickle (of Alpaca). Tickets are on sale now.

Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery for Thomas. Fuck cancer.