Photo by Frank Maddocks

Yesterday, Surfer Blood‘s van was broken into and robbed in Schaumburg, Ill. The band wrote on Facebook that in addition to losing “thousands of dollars in personal items and show settlements,” they lost every donation that was collected for guitarist Thomas Fekete. Earlier this year, Fekete was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and has been seeking donations to help cover the costly treatment.

They wrote:

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. 

Donate here.