From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Music fans rally to support Dean Schlabowske
Dean Schlabowske's leukemia diagnosis sparks music fan support for Waco Brothers founder.
In brief
Dean Schlabowske's leukemia diagnosis sparks music fan support for Waco Brothers founder. Dean Schlabowske, 61, a founding member of Chicago band Waco Brothers, received leukemia diagnosis but music fans have raised $80,000 through GoFundMe for his medical costs. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Dean Schlabowske's leukemia diagnosis
Dean Schlabowske, 61, a founding member of Chicago band Waco Brothers, received acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis after touring in UK.
“Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that leads to heightened fatigue, shortness of breath and easy bruising”
Medical challenges ahead
Schlabowske faces chemotherapy, open heart surgery and medical costs exceeding $65,000 with $80,000 raised through GoFundMe.
“Put everything on credit cards and go bankrupt”
Waco Brothers background
Schlabowske formed Waco Brothers with Jon Langford and Tracey Dear after recording debut EP with Steve Albini in 1990.
“The trio recorded its debut EP with Steve Albini in 1990 and four years later hired Mekons co-founder Jon Langford”
GoFundMe campaign success
GoFundMe campaign for Schlabowske exceeded $65,000 in one week and now hovers around $80,000 with donors mostly music fans.
“They’re fans”
Schlabowske's perspective
Schlabowske credits music tours for building goodwill that pays dividends during health crises.
“You put that good karma out there for a lot of years and it pays dividends when you need it”
Health challenges
Schlabowske has a weak heart valve requiring open heart surgery and is commuting weekly from Chicago to hospital.
“After a week of procedures, he started his first round of chemotherapy”
Community response
Schlabowske says donors include people he met years ago through music, showing music's community impact.
“I’ve always shied away from promoting myself. But I’m immensely grateful and incredibly touched that there are so many people who wanted to help out in such a big way”
Financial situation
Schlabowske's insurance has $10,000 deductible for medical costs but rising costs make it insufficient.
“The combination of a $10,000 deductible for this year and next, plus skyrocketing medical costs, make it not enough”
Schlabowske's outlook
Schlabowske remains optimistic about life despite health challenges, saying he doesn't want to live to 100.
“I’m 61. I’ve done a lot of cool [stuff]. Do I want to live to 100? Sure, but if that’s not meant for me, that’s not meant for me”
Relocation to Chicago
Schlabowske and wife relocated back to Chicago after living in Louisiana for a spell.
“Schlabowske and Walston recently relocated back to Chicago after living for a spell in Louisiana”
Waco Brothers legacy
Waco Brothers remain one of Chicago's most enduring bands tackling political and social issues for decades.
“With three principal songwriters, Schlabowske, Langford, and Dear, the Waco Brothers remain one of the most enduring bands out of Chicago that have tackled political and social injustice in their music for decades”
Music fan support
Schlabowske says music fans have provided emotional support through GoFundMe campaign.
“They’re fans”
Current health status
Schlabowske is undergoing chemotherapy and has a weak heart valve requiring open heart surgery.
“After a week of procedures, he started his first round of chemotherapy”
What happens next
Schlabowske continues treatment while music fans provide ongoing support through GoFundMe.
“This didn’t happen when I was 30. Any other way of looking at it leads to a dead end of depression”
In short
Dean Schlabowske, 61, a founding member of Chicago band Waco Brothers, received leukemia diagnosis but music fans have raised $80,000 through GoFundMe for his medical costs.
