**UPDATE February 2026: This has been a long time coming. The heaviness of the news since Rebecca’s surgery and all the incoming details and data surrounding it have prevented us from giving a proper update before today.

To begin, the good news is that the emergency brain tumor excision surgery in October was done successfully, without damaging any basic neurological function.

The worse news is that the tumor removed was metastatic, emerging as a result of the original HER2+ breast cancer, subsequently appearing in the brain. This is a new paradigm and will have to be actively managed from here going forth.

Constant care and vigilance will be the regime from here on out, owing to high risk of continued metastases elsewhere in the body. A permanent titanium plate now lives in Rebecca’s head from October’s surgery. Hormone treatments, among other courses, are also on the horizon.

All these factors have placed her in a position that overwhelmingly limits her ability to work and live independently.

Given all these circumstances, she still is determined to make a Multicult record, and with some good grace, make some live appearances this year. Of course we will have to respond to circumstances when and if they arise in the meantime.

Survivorship care is where we’re at, and we’re hoping to get as much help as possible, to aid her in what is becoming exceedingly and exponentially difficult with each passing week.

Hoping for anyone who is able to contribute/donate what they can to help Rebecca in this time of need, and for the road ahead.

Here’s to keeping the spirit alive in 2026 ❤️

______

**UPDATE OCT 2025:

Urgent update for everyone— Rebecca was brought to the emergency unit after a serious seizure this past Saturday evening. The MRI she received indicates a significant tumor in her brain, which will have to be operated on. Her surgery is scheduled later this week. She’s lucid and in stable shape at the moment, but it is a critical time and we are all very worried and holding on for her. Please feel free to reach out, those who are close and keep her in your thoughts! We are pulling for the experts here to rise to the occasion for her special and beloved soul.

_____

Rebecca, the bassist of Multicult, has been diagnosed with a very serious Inflammatory Breast Cancer (HER2 type). It has very rapidly progressed to a Stage III, having already spread to one of her lymph nodes. Last week, she started the first of multiple intensive chemotherapy treatments. It's been a hard week for her, to say the least. These treatments will be followed by mastectomy, radiation, and eventually, reconstructive surgery. The total course, barring any unforeseen complications, is expected to last 12-24 months. 

Someone her age ought not even be thinking of having to deal with something like this, but here we are. This type of cancer typically isn't discovered until it has progressed to Stage III (being an incredibly fast-growing and aggressive type). It will be an enormous battle for her, and I hope whoever reads this will consider lending their support in this fight.

The Tennessee Breast Cancer Screening Program has been tremendously helpful in getting her started on the path to treatment and recovery. That said, the ultimate costs surrounding this fight are still very much in the air. She will not be able to work while undergoing these treatments.

Being confronted with a diagnosis like this is one of the scariest things anyone could ever go through.

Please join in giving your assistance if you can, and keep her in your hearts and minds as she goes through this incredibly difficult time. 

She's an amazing bassist (the best I've ever known), a thoughtful friend, and beloved by many. With everyone's help, she will see you on the other side of this, stronger than ever. Thank you for reading.

-Nick from Multicult