A GoFundMe for former Nirvana publicist Susie Tennant has already surpassed its $100,000 goal as the Seattle legend battles "symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's and dementia".
Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic have contributed to a recently set-up GoFundMe for former Nirvana publicist Susie Tennant.
The fundraiser was launched by former Sub Pop rep Steve Manning, with a statement from Susie's family detailing how she is dealing with "symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's and dementia". "We've continued working with Susie's doctors since our last check in," it reads. "Over the last six weeks, Susie had surgery to remove an unburst aneurysm and to test for what may be causing the symptoms of early onset Alzheimer's and dementia. The surgeries were successful, and Susie is healed and healthy.
"After the surgery, Susie's medical experts were able to eliminate causes, and are now pointing to something called Frontotemporal Degeneration Disease (FTD).
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"FTD is new and rare with only about 60k confirmed cases in the United States. Susie's symptoms at home, with her memory loss and physical degeneration, align nearly exactly with this disease’s progression. The doctors believe Susie may have had symptoms prior to them being easily seen by friends, family, and doctors. The average life expectancy for people with FTD is 7-13 years from onset. Susie could be anywhere within this range but prognosis suggests she is further down the line than we had hoped. We are beginning work with a new group of experts with specific tests that would confirm this new diagnosis.
"As always, thank you all for taking this journey with us. We all appreciate your words and efforts of support."
As well as Dave and Krist's contributions, the likes of Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, music manager Susan Silver, and Sub Pop Records have all donated. At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has hit over $130,000 – you can donate here.
Previously, Steve had written of the GoFundMe: "To provide Susie with the care she needs requires money and time, and with a community of people who have been so touched by Susie’s brilliance and kindness over the years, we figured we would start a fundraiser to bring some support and relief. Chris, the sole breadwinner, has taken a step back in his position at work to better care for Susie (that means less income, of course), and he is hiring professional, in-home care. It is all necessary, and will provide the family with what they need, and it also brings about that terrible feeling of teetering on the edge – less income, great expense, and of course, absolutely necessary. Though he will cringe when he reads this, it is also worth noting here that Chris is going through this with a grace and sensitivity we could only hope to channel in such a situation. He’s uncomfortable with this fundraiser, he’s never uttered a 'woe is me' sentiment, and he’s just… Chris. Susie would be the same, surely, and it is beautiful to see this family in action.
"So, here’s the ask: we want to raise $100,000 for Chris and Susie and Ella and Eli. This money will make a significant difference in the family’s ability to provide Susie with the best care possible, and may also offer some psychic relief to an already-impossible situation. $100,000 is a lot of money, yes, and yet, it feels like a good goal to us. Please share this far and wide! Susie’s impact on our communities has been profound, and there are lots of people who would probably want to know what’s going on, and to chip in a few bucks to show their support."
