THE ALEX ORANGE DRINK CANCER FUND

Hello friends. Some news. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of extreme highs & lows. Almost immediately following The So So Glos sold-out show at Bowery Ballroom, I began to experience the same sinus issues that had led to emergency surgery the week prior. After a series of invasive tests & more surgeries, I found out this past week that I have a cancerous tumor. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma is what they call it.

The time since has been grueling. Marathon panic attacks, crushing anxiety & worst-case scenario doom-think completely engulfed my mental state, sending my body into shock.

As someone who has dealt with a rare disease (HOMOCYSTINURIA) & the anxieties that come with it since birth, navigating health issues is something that my family & I have all too much experience with.

My entire life I’ve been guided down hospital hallways, held by rebel music, toward fluorescent-lit victories. What’s gotten me this far is the endless desire to create. This form of cancer is rare and the treatment outcome is uncertain, but I am 100% committed to using every ounce of energy to continue making music and art.

The course of treatment will be lengthy and intensive. With all means of income on hold indefinitely, I am reaching out to ask for wide-community support.

So far, it looks likely that my health insurance will cover some of my medical costs, but not all. Though my life will be almost entirely dedicated to treatment and recovery for the next few months, my mental well-being goes hand in hand with my creative output; art is my therapy. I want to finish the next So So Glos album, continue recording music for my solo project, Alex Orange Drink, & complete the musical I’ve been working on with Sarah Greenwell of GYMSHORTS for several years.

For anyone who wants to donate to THE ALEX ORANGE DRINK CANCER FUND: all monies will be put towards basic cost of living expenses, additional medical expenses, and resources to keep me in a creative and productive state of mind. If anyone is unable to help monetarily, time donated from musicians, artists, studios, or any other talented folks looking to lend a hand are encouraged to write here: alexorangedrinkcancerfund (@) gmail dot com.

My hope is that the art yielded will help me through this. Perhaps it can also be inspiring or cathartic to anyone who is experiencing anything remotely related. This whole thing is terrifying but I have so much love & gratitude for the support. I am fortunate & the blessings are abundant. I’m going to fight this the only way I know how and in my book, the underdog always wins.

Thanks to my brother Zach Staggers for helping me to set up this fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who reached out personally and is holding me in their thoughts. If you don't hear back please understand I feel the love and will get back to you as soon as I can.

In the meantime enjoy my music here.

I believe I’ll get through to the other side. I love you. Life is good. Take your pain & make champagne.

- ALEXANDER ZAROU LEVINE aka ALEX ORANGE DRINK