"GWAR lives" has been the motto of the rampaging group of slaughter-happy Scumdogs in 2017... and let's keep it that way. Earlier this year, the band was dealt another blow as longtime guitarist Michael Derks, best known as Balsac the Jaws of Death, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare form of cancer that transforms bone marrow into scar tissue. He's bravely soldiering on, touring with GWAR, but will need to monitor his blood levels throughout the band's two month trek and this is where you can help.

Medical expenses can quickly add up and will continue to do so, especially with a hopeful bone marrow transplant on the horizon and a lengthy recovery process. The Love Hope Strength organization has teamed up with GWAR as well as Ronz World Guitars and the Music Experience to raise funds for Derks and a $20 donation to his cause will automatically grant you entry in a contest to win a custom painted BC Rich guitar (seen below) signed by the Scumdogs in GWAR.

To donate and secure your chance at winning this Ronz World Guitars painted axe, go to the Love Hope Strength page. Additionally, to register as a bone marrow donor, head to this location.

Love Hope Strength
Love Hope Strength
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Love Hope Strength has already done a wealth of good for Derks, signing up over 3,000 fans to the national bone marrow registry. “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," commented Rob Rushing, the national tour manager at LHS.

Carmen Mark "Squiggy" DiGiacomo
Carmen Mark "Squiggy" DiGiacomo
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Carmen Mark "Squiggy" DiGiacomo
Carmen Mark "Squiggy" DiGiacomo
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The guitarist released a statement detailing the news, stating, in part, "If left to run it’s course the doctors say I am most likely to only survive another three to five years. There is a treatment with a chance of curing my condition, a bone marrow transplant." He continued, "This procedure involves destroying my diseased bone marrow with high doses of chemotherapy, and then replacing it with healthy marrow from a donor. I will hopefully have the transplant early next year. I will spend a month in the hospital and then at least a year in recovery, where my immune system will be practically non-existent. The procedure has a mortality rate of 30 percent, but the Massey Center has brought this down to around 15 percent. With my family’s help and the support of my friends, I will beat this."

GWAR are currently wrapping up their North American tour in support of The Blood of Gods, which was named among Loudwire's 25 Best Metal Albums of 2017.  Check out the full list of 25 Best Metal Albums of 2017 below.

25 Best Metal Albums of 2017

GWAR Set Record for Bone Marrow Donor Signups

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