Ivan Julian Fund

Ivan Julian has been re-diagnosed with an invasive form of cancer and needs our immediate help! Ivan faces a serious surgery within the next month and won’t be able to fully recover and work for at least 6 months. We are looking to raise $75,000 to pay for medical (surgery and post op-care), cost of living, and health insurance expenses.

For those who do not know Ivan personally, you are probably familiar with his music. Ivan is a founding member and guitarist of the quintessential punk band, Richard Hell and the Voidoids. He has played in influential musical groups including The Clash, The Foundations, and Matthew Sweet  and is a continuous force in the New York music community. Ivan continues to produce cutting edge music to this day in his recording studio, Super Giraffe Sound, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A powerful influence on rock music for decades, it is important for us to support the artists who have paved our way and help them continue sharing their gift to us. Ivan is facing a big challenge ahead, but can win the fight with your help!

Some more information about Ivan’s battle:

In late October 2015, Ivan Julian was diagnosed with stage 3.5 cancer. From November 2015 to February 2016, Ivan’s doctors ordered an aggressive treatment plan: 5 days a week radiation and a combination of chemotherapy pills as well as injections. During which time Ivan was unable to work and was in constant pain. His medical and living expenses accumulated. What saved Ivan’s life in 2016 was crowdfunding from people like you. The GoFundMe Campaign and Heart On Fire, a musicians benefit held at City Winery in May of 2016 by a group of generous friends and fellow musicians, together helped raise enough money for Ivan to get his much needed treatment.

The treatment Ivan’s doctors ordered was brutal, but effective. When asked about what he went through for a Newsweek article, Ivan described it as “the black hole”. Despite the pain, Ivan returned to work once he was able, teaching young aspiring film/music students about audio at the City College. Due to Ivan’s health condition, he’s only able to work for limited hours as a part-time Adjunct Professor, to which position there is no health insurance eligible. Without the previous crowdfunding, Ivan would not be able to get the treatment his doctors ordered for him. 

Now we are here asking for your help because Ivan’s cancer has come back. It has evolved into a specific type that has an unpredictable growth rate, and has the potential to be imminently fatal. Because of the threat the cancer is imposing, the doctors have ordered surgery. The surgery that Ivan’s doctors have prescribed would remove the cancer permanently. This surgery, however, will require months of recovery time where Ivan will be unable to work and will still need to take care of rent, insurance, and the expenses of the surgery. Because of the unpredictable nature of his type of cancer, This surgery is slated to take place within the month, and can’t be postponed with risk of the cancer spreading to a point where treatment is impossible.

We are hoping to raise $75,000 for Ivan to cover his medical bills and necessary leave from work for at least six months during his recovery. Ivan’s insurance and New York City rent alone will take a huge toll on Ivan without any generated income. It is crucial that Ivan has support from us in his time of recovery, and that we give back to someone who has given so much throughout his life.

If you would like to donate directly, please Venmo @Austin-julian-3