Thrash fans united to help a brother out when Exodus drummer Tom Hunting announced his battle with stomach cancer (specifically squamous cell carcinoma). As of this writing, his GoFundMe campaign is sitting at over $81,000.
The fund, which was started by his bandmate Gary Holt, recieved a $5,000 donation from his former bandmate, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett and $1,500 from Chris Jericho among the top donations.
Blabbermouth transcribed a video message from Tom thanking fans, saying "Hey all. Tom from Exodus here. Just checking in. It's April 26th. I'm in Northern California, where we just had six inches of snow fall last night. A little [Paul] Baloff birthday snow action.
"Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you, everyone. I'm overcome with gratitude and emotion for the donations and all the love and support. I'm doing okay. I had a treatment a couple of weeks ago. I'm going in for another treatment on Wednesday. So far so good. It's kind of early in the fight. But I feel like I'm gonna crush this like a bug.
"Anyways, thanks again, everyone. I love you guys. And we'll see you soon. Cheers."
Previously, Hunting said he received his diagnosis in February and hopes to raise awareness about people paying attention to anything strange going on within their bodies. Fortunately, Hunting said he feels pretty good, and of course, we wish him all the best with his treatments!
"Today I will be starting treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma. It's a gastric tumor that was diagnosed in my upper stomach in February. I'm making this public to raise awareness for people to pay attention to symptoms of stomach and esophageal issues. If they persist, please go get it checked out. I'm not gonna be sheepish talking about it. I feel that if I can help someone with what I've learned, or someone out there has information to share with me, it's a win-win! When you can name the enemy, it's empowering, and you're 1 step closer to killing it!
"Ok, you've heard the bad news. The good news is he feels great physically! I'm gonna beat this like a fucking snare drum that owes me money!!! I've had great doctors and a great support system that is an army in itself. I'm ready for the fight!
"We have a lot to celebrate this year with the release of what will be a career-defining album and tours to follow! I'm stoked for everyone to hear it, and even more excited to get out there and play some of it! I will see you all very soon! CHEERS!!!"
We wish Hunting a speedy recovery.
