Ronnie James DioProsthetic Records is currently auctioning an Epiphone Prophecy Futura Custom EX on eBay, with all proceeds benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports research for cancer, AIDS and leukemia. The guitar was signed by the six Prosthetic acts that played the label's inaugural SxSW showcase.

Turns out, it was rock god Ronnie James Dio's management that that recommended the Martell Foundation to Prosthetic. The diminutive Dio -- whose last name literally translates to 'god' in Italian -- has been battling stomach cancer for the past year and it was the Martell Foundation will has helped him to receive key treatments in his fight.

After the auction (which ends on March 22) went live, Dio made the following comments: "It's great to be a part of your wonderful charitable event and all the caring performers who are giving of themselves to aid the charity of my choice. My current misfortune has opened my eyes to the constant need for funds to battle the ravages of cancer and I am therefore pleased to endorse your efforts to auction off an Epiphone guitar signed by the aforementioned musicians to benefit the T.J.Martell Cancer Foundation. Let's hope a generous amount of money can be raised for this ultra-worthy cause. Thanks so much for you concern and humanity. It's a gesture of kindness I will never forget."

If that doesn't inspire you to bid on the guitar, than you have a heart of stone encased in thousands of feet of impenetrable ice. Interested parties can bid on the auction or learn more about the guitar by viewing the official eBay listing.

For more info on the Martell Foundation, visit their official Web site.

More From Noisecreep