After the sad news that GWAR’s Michael Derks (aka BälSäc the Jaws ‘o Death) had been diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a bone marrow disorder that disrupts the production of blood cells, the band partnered with Love Hope Strength to help find the guitarist a bone marrow donor. So far, the band have got over 3,000 fans to sign up for the national bone registry during their current tour.
Rob Rushing, Love Hope Strength’s national tour manager, told The Richmond Times-Dispatch the following:
“They’re the No. 1 band we’ve had on our virtual drive. We’ve partnered with Ozzy Osbourne, all kinds of bands, and GWAR right now has more people signed up for the virtual drive than anyone else by far.”
Donors are found using cheek swabs, but it is hard to get an exact match, due to how similar the DNA has to be. Rushing added the following about that:
“It’s crazy specific, because you have to match them close enough on the DNA chain that their body accepts it, but there be just enough difference that the body starts making new clean blood cells based on the donor’s DNA so it’s clean — new fresh cells that kill the cancer.”
Derks continues to tour while using labs across the country to moniter his blood.
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