Musician Jared Koston, drummer for Cleveland-based metal band Venomin James is currently battling stage 4 melanoma cancer, he is at home with HCA. Diagnosed with two brain tumors stemming from the cancer, Koston and his family are struggling to make ends meet financially while they fight Koston’s illness. Auburn Records president Bill Peters recently released the following statement regarding Koston’s condition, with helpful information on how people can help:

“Jared and his family need financial help immediately”, says Auburn Records president Bill Peters. “Jared has four beautiful children and a wonderful wife by his side. The heavy metal community is always very generous and supportive when it comes to good causes.

”Anything you can contribute to the Koston family during their time of need is greatly appreciated. This family is doing everything they can to keep things going but can’t do it alone. Jared and his wife Michele are both hard working people but had to leave their jobs while they continue to battle this illness. All of the money raised will go directly to Jared and his family to help cover medical and travel expenses. Please take a few minutes to contribute if you are able. No donation is too small. You can make a difference.”

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Donations can be made in several ways:

Cash, checks and money orders (payable to Jared Koston) can be sent to:

The Koston Family
3060 Princeton Drive
Madison, Ohio 44057
USA

PayPal donations can be sent to: jaredkoston@rocketmail.com
(Be sure to mark ‘personal’ then select ‘gift’)

There also is a Koston Cancer Fund page setup on Facebook.

Michele Koston has organized two spaghetti dinner fund raisers at the Stadium Grill in Mentor, Ohio on May 3 from 6-8 p.m. and at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Madison, Ohio on May 24 from 5-8 p.m.

More info from Venomin James:

“Jared’s started radiation therapy, but his doctors have basically said that we should prepare for the worst”, says Venomin James guitarist Joe Fortunato. “I don’t even know where to begin. It has all happened so rapidly that it took us all by surprise. He had been getting chemotherapy, but a bad reaction hospitalized him, which is how they found more going on. Originally, it was only in his shoulder but has now spread to his spleen and brain. It may happen that he doesn’t survive too much longer. We were planning to have a benefit concert for him and for Melanoma charities, but it looks like he may not even be around long enough to see it, let alone play at it. The fundraiser is at a very early stage. I have several bands willing to donate performances. We’re praying he makes it through this okay”.

Additional information, including a statement from Michele Koston with extensive details regarding Jared’s condition can be found here.

With no current income or health insurance, anything that you can do to help will be very much appreciated by the Koston family.