Written by Molly Kish //
Ahhh, crowdfunding … the latest fad to sweep our great nation, offering an endless supply of business endeavors for us to cipher through and play philanthropist for the day. In an era desensitized by fabricated capitalism and questionable business ethics, many of us find ourselves more captivated by ironic campaigns of trivial nature as well as over-genuine causes in need of backing.
Conceived as a practice where a pool of investors can contribute to worthwhile projects, crowdfunding has made otherwise financially debilitating goals for entrepreneurs, small businesses and community-based ventures achievable. Websites such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo and RocketHub have been at the root of some of the most amazing triumphs of crowdfunding in addition to hosting some of the most hypocritical success stories to date.
For instance:
- $55,492 funded by 6,911 supporters for POTATO SALAD?!
- $88,881 funded by 3,231 supporters to LAUNCH A TARDIS INTO SPACE?!
- $204,601 funded by 3,150 supporters for COFFEE SOCKS?!
With the current content on crowdfunding sites becoming more or less lost in a sea of sensationalism, once in a while you come across a cause so genuine in its goal that you can’t help but be reminded of the idealism behind this type of practice.
And that cause is Surfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete’s GOFundMe campaign.
Recently diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive and cancerous sarcoma, Feteke is currently undergoing a rigorous and extremely costly treatment process in an attempt to keep his illness from further spreading past his lungs and spine. Feteke remains optimistic despite the limited amount of research done on his rare condition and has started an alternative treatment plan, along with chemotherapy, that unfortunately falls outside the parameters of his insurance coverage. Attempting to raise enough money to cover his medical bills, the 24-year-old has taken to GoFundMe for additional aid.
With Feteke less than $1,500 away from his goal as of this writing, we encourage everyone to help pitch in for a life-saving cause. Feteke released this statement recently:
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
Take action and lend your help to the cause by donating here or sharing this article and the campaign page via your social media channels. Remember, every bit counts and even the simplest share can make a lifetime of a difference.
Get well Thomas!