Fuming Mouth’s Mark Whelan Has Leukemia, GoFundMe Launched
Fuming Mouth guitarist and vocalist Mark Whelan has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer.
To say this news hits home is an understatement: I’ve already lost one family member to AML, and another was diagnosed with it earlier this year. It is NOT one of those cancers folks generally refer to as easily treatable, although there is hope, especially in younger patients like Mark.
After a week-long stay at a Boston-area hospital for undisclosed reasons, Whelan was diagnosed with AML on November 19. He began induction chemotherapy treatment on November 26, and is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant as soon as a donor can be found. Bone marrow transplants are seen as the only true “cure” for AML, but finding a perfect donor match is difficult, and there are risks associated with the procedure.
Mark’s partner, Selena Gavin, has launched a GoFundMe to help cover his medical costs. According to the campaign message, “Mark is currently on state healthcare and much of what he will endure for treatment will not be covered by insurance.” The campaign’s modest goal of $50,000 is already very close to being met — 855 folks have contributed $49,285 as of press time (hooray for the heavy music community!) — but Selena adds, “Anything counts and is deeply appreciated. It is highly unlikely that the goal amount will cover all of his medical bills, so any donation is welcome.” So it’s not too late to give if you haven’t yet. Do that here.
What’s more, Mark still needs a bone marrow donor match. And that could be you! The process of enlisting is quick and easy. You can sign up here, they’ll send you a kit in the mail to swab the inside of your cheek, you send it back, and then you’re listed. You’ll be contacted if someone in need ever matches, but even then you’ll be under no obligation to follow through (although there’s no good reason not to).
On behalf of everyone at MetalSucks, we wish Mark and his family all the best in getting through this. Hang in there, Mark!
