Surfer Blood Guitarist’s Cancer Treatment Donations Reported Stolen

After beginning a crowdfunding campaign to support his cancer treatment in April, Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete has reportedly been robbed of cash donations he has received along with his band’s personal items, after their van was broken into.

Taking to Facebook yesterday, Surfer Blood published a statement saying their van was broken into in Chicago.

“Not only did we lose thousands of dollars in personal items and show settlements, but we also lost all cash donations we collected for Thomas over the last 8 shows at our merch table,” the band wrote.

“This last detail is perhaps the most heartbreaking of all in that so much positivity and amazing generosity could be ruined by one bad person(s).” Read the group’s full van robbery statement, below.

Surfer Blood say their current tour will continue on as planned, with most of their large musical gear still in their possession. The band have thanked fans for their continuing support, saying, “You help us all stay positive in the midst of something so discouraging.”

Fekete is battling a rare form of cancer, and has already had a large tumour removed from his abdomen. He has reportedly been told that the cancer has spread to his lungs and his spine.

Fekete originally hoped to raise $76,000 to support an “alternative treatment plan” on top of chemotherapy — a plan which is not entirely covered by his insurance provider.

At the time of writing, $83,863 has been raised on Fekete’s GoFundMe page, but it isn’t known how much cash was stolen from Surfer Blood’s tour van.

Gallery: Surfer Blood @ Corner Hotel, Melbourne 24/07/2013 / Photos by Carbie Warbie

Surfer Blood – Full Van Robbery Statement (Via Facebook)

Dear Fans,

We deeply regret having to inform you this, but our van was broken into today in Schaumburg, Il just outside of Chicago. Not only did we lose thousands of dollars in personal items and show settlements, but we also lost all cash donations we collected for Thomas over the last 8 shows at our merch table. This last detail is perhaps the most heartbreaking of all in that so much positivity and amazing generosity could be ruined by one bad person(s).

Most of our large musical gear was not stolen and the shows will still go on as planned.

There are a few one-of-a kind guitar pedals to please keep an eye out for– not for their specific value, but for the fact that these are unique and recognizable items. If they are found at a pawn shop or private seller, everything else including the more serious items are likely there or somewhere nearby.

Thank you for all of your support. You help us all stay positive in the midst of something so discouraging.

Much love,
SB