GoFundMe Started for Founding Monster Magnet Drummer Diagnosed with ALS
One of the founding members of stoner rock outfit Monster Magnet, drummer Tim Cronin, was recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). That in and of itself is incredibly terrible news, as it’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease that has no cure at this time. It weakens muscles, causes paralysis, and eventually becomes fatal.
And while the outlook seems bleak, there are things we as the metal community can do to help ease this man’s suffering and give his family the dignity and quality of life they deserve. Unfortunately, that effort becomes increasingly expensive over time, so this past weekend a GoFundMe page was created seeking to raise $75,000 that would go for everything from mobility aids to medical treatments as Cronin’s family fights for their loved one.
A statement from Cronin’s stepdaughter Maggie Chesek, who created the fundraiser on behalf of Carrie Wyndorf, said the following:
“Dear friends, family, and supporters –
“You may know Tim Cronin as the keeper of musical knowledge at Jack’s Music Shop in Red Bank for nearly 4 decades, the lead singer of local NJ legends The Ribeye Brothers, his years touring around the world with Monster Magnet as master of lights, or his prolific podcast appearances. If you do then you know that he is one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine people you will ever be lucky enough to meet. He would love nothing more than to spend the rest of his years performing music, grilling for friends and family at his legendary bbqs, and walking the beach with the love of his life, his wife Carrie.
“But devastatingly for Tim, he has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a progressive and incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual respiratory system failure. It has already begun robbing him of his independence and the things that he loves to do. To say this has been shattering for Tim’s beloved wife, stepdaughter, and the many people who love him is an understatement. It’s not in Tim’s nature to ask for help, as he is the guy who helps others – but it’s our turn to help him now.
“While there is no cure, there are care options and accommodations that can have a profound impact on his quality of life. Unfortunately, they are significantly expensive. ALS has been called “the bankruptcy disease” due to the significant and ever increasing financial burden it places on families. We are asking for your support to help ease the cost of this cruel and unfeeling disease and give Tim the comfort and dignity that he deserves.
“You donations will go directly towards:
- In-home assistance
- Wheelchair ramp
- Mobility aidssfd
- Medical treatments and therapies
- Assistive devices
- Transportation to doctors appointments
“If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing on all your social media platforms. We can’t ever express our gratitude for the kind words and love we’ve already received.”
Though he’s commonly known for his time in Monster Magnet, for locals in the New Jersey area, they know Cronin as the owner and operator of Jack’s Music Shoppe in Red Bank. Dude’s a genuinely awesome person and by all accounts, he’s nothing but a standup dude.
As of this post, the fundraiser has garnered more than $56,000 of the $75,000 goal set. If you can help in any way, please do so by donating some funds to the cause.
