Photo of Thomas Fekete by Zane Roessell
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Surfer Blood's guitarist of nearly six years, Thomas Fekete, has revealed he will not join the band on tour this summer because he's been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

He recently "had a major surgery to remove a large tumor from my abdomen," the musician said in an open letter to fans. "A few days ago, my doctors informed me that it had spread to my lungs and my spine."

Fekete will begin chemotherapy this week, followed by an "alternative treatment plan," for which he is seeking financial assistance because of his inability to tour and due to the fact that his insurance will cover part of the cost.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Fekete and the band with more than $21,000 of its $76,000 goal having already been raised in less than 24 hours.

Surfer Blood is set to release a new album, 1000 Palms, on May 12.