Once again, the metal community has an opportunity to step up and help out one of our own, as ex-Divine Heresy vocalist Travis Neal’s battle against cancer has forced him to reach out for help. Faced with growing medical bills, he’s started a GoFundMe page late last week to raise money to pay for his treatment.
According to a statement posted on the crowdfunding site, Neal has endured multiple surgeries and undergone chemotherapy without much in the way of major financial safety net. Having had to pay for everything out of pocket, he said he’s now had to “swallow my pride and ask for help.”
“Hello friends and family, thank you for taking the time to view this.
“I have battled this throughout my entire treatment because I have a really hard time asking for help. Unfortunately after all the surgeries and chemotherapy as well the upcoming port removal surgery and scans, visits, etc. , I have been left with a huge out of pocket cost so far and I’m trying to keep a float. So as much as it pains me to ask for help, I’m left with no option but to swallow my pride and ask for help.
“I would like to give back to all who donate. The only thing I can offer is my music. I have full record I’m currently a few songs away from finishing and I would like to give you all a copy that donate. Plus any upcoming solo releases. If I can get physical copies then I will gladly sign them and address it to each one of you individually and send it off. Either way I feel that thanks is a must and that is how I will say thank you.
“Thank you all again for all the love a support you have given me through all of this. It has honestly kept me going and has put a healing smile on my face in the hardest times. The funds will be used for all hospital expenses that have incurred and all future expenses.”
Neal was a member of Divine Heresy from 2008 to 2013. During that time he sang on the album Bringer of Plagues.