Our dear friend is one of the kindest souls you could ever meet.

He’s an activist and an accomplished academic, but it’s Donnie’s humor that has lifted countless spirits and it’s his heart that has left the biggest mark on those who know him.

I first met Donnie when we were activists and outreach organizers touring the country together in a small van. It was a wild, exhausting, unforgettable time — and Donnie made it better just by being himself.

I’ll never forget the time we picked him up at his apartment for Warped Tour ‘07. Upon arriving, he had cooked us dinner. After weeks of surviving on cold, processed food, a home-cooked meal felt like a luxury. That thoughtfulness — those small acts of care that mean everything — defines just who Donnie is.

Unfortunately, his life and its stability are in jeopardy because of a serious battle with cancer. Finances are only compounding the stress.

Frequent hospital admissions have created barriers to finding, landing, and keeping a job — regardless of how effective he is when working around his treatment schedule.

For me, personally, Donnie was a safe person during some of my hardest mental health struggles. He gave me strength when I needed it most, and I know I’m not alone. Donnie has been that source of safety, humor, and kindness for many, both on and off tour.

He taught me one of the most important lessons of my life: the difference between people-pleasing and being kind. Donnie always meets people where they are.

He navigates difficult conversations with someone looking to argue just as gracefully as he welcomes a curious stranger or comforts a close friend. He’s the kind of person you want in your corner.

That’s why it’s so important to show up for him now.

Donnie is in the fight of his life. After an amputation, his diagnosis progressed from Stage 2 to Stage 3C Advanced metastatic ALM, a very dangerous and aggressive form of melanoma. He underwent immunotherapy which failed to make any progress.

Now Donnie is on a “targeted therapy” — a daily pill-based chemo regimen. While this treatment shows promise, the side effects are brutal: exhaustion, nausea, constant shaking, and illness that makes even the basics of daily life incredibly difficult. As Donnie puts it: “If I win, it’s all worth surviving a little torture.”

If that’s not enough, he has maintained more than one year and a half of sobriety — an extraordinary milestone of courage and resilience — through it all. His goal is simple: Beat cancer and ease his burden on his family.

In Donnie’s own words: “I appreciate everyone who has been there for me in any capacity, even if only briefly. I wouldn’t feel the same way about life if it weren’t for them. Others helped me get sober and they’re helping me get through this, while dealing with things in their own lives.”

We are raising funds to help cover Donnie’s living expenses during this time. Every contribution will allow him to focus on what matters most: healing, surviving, and one day returning to his life.

Donnie has given us laughter, love, and safety when we needed it most. Now it’s our turn to give that love back. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign so we can surround Donnie with the strength of community.

We hope that enough small acts of care can make the difference for Donnie and ease the financial stress that comes alongside beating cancer.

Thank you for your support,

Team Donnie