L7 rocker Jennifer Finch goes public with brain cancer fight
L7 rocker Jennifer Finch goes public with an aggressive brain cancer diagnosis after her bandmates revealed the news on Monday. The 59-year-old musician is crowdfunding her health battle, sharing a gnarly brain surgery scar as complications from multiple surgeries leave her needing extensive round-the-clock care.
The grunge-era bassist and founding L7 member has become the focus of a rapidly growing fundraiser as fans and celebrities rally around her. For more on similar stories, see our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Finch, 59, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
- Multiple surgeries and serious complications have left her with significant physical limitations.
- A GoFundMe with a $350,000 goal had raised nearly $300,000 by Wednesday morning.
- Finch will miss L7's planned "Last Hurrah" farewell tour this year.
- Celebrities including Melanie Lynskey have donated to support her care.
What happened to L7 bassist Jennifer Finch?
L7 bassist Jennifer Finch is battling "an aggressive form of brain cancer" and "may have more good days behind her than ahead," according to Page Six. Her bandmates revealed the diagnosis on Monday while launching a GoFundMe to help the 59-year-old following "multiple surgeries and serious complications."
While Finch initially thought "treatment, including a full course of radiation, would get her back to some version of normal living," she has experienced "a string of difficult setbacks" and "significant physical limitations." The fundraiser's description included a photo of the punk legend smiling at the hospital while showing a gnarly brain surgery scar.
Why did Finch launch a GoFundMe campaign?
"Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support," her friends explained of their $350,000 goal. Her loved ones added, "The level of care Jennifer needs has gone beyond what friends and family can safely provide around the clock."
The statement acknowledged the "difficult reality" of Finch's condition, adding, "We are asking for help to make the time she has with her friends, family, and fans as comfortable, meaningful, and full of love as possible." The cost of giving Jennifer the care she needs is overwhelming, but supporters say it gives her the best chance for meaningful improvement while maintaining comfort, dignity, and independence.
Will L7 still tour without Jennifer Finch?
Finch, who dated Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl in the early 1990s, was a founding L7 member in 1986. She left the group a decade later, five years before L7 ultimately broke up. The band, including Finch, reformed in 2014 — and she was expected to take part in a "Last Hurrah" tour this year.
The tour, notably, was planned when Finch was "in good health and spirits." Her diagnosis and ongoing complications mean she is no longer expected to join her bandmates on the farewell trek planned for this year.
Who is supporting Finch's cancer battle?
A slew of A-listers have donated to Finch's cancer battle, including "Yellowjackets" star Melanie Lynskey. As of Wednesday morning, the GoFundMe number had reached nearly $300,000 toward its $350,000 goal.
The band subsequently shared a gushing statement via Instagram, writing, "We are overwhelmed and thankful for the love, generosity and support that has come in for our friend and bandmate Jennifer Finch from all over the world."