Tommy Bollander and I met in junior high school. We both grew up with guitars in our hands, and eventually played in bands together. Tommy is an old-school shredder in the truest sense of the word — the kind of player who has put in 2–3 hours of practice every single day since we were kids. He taught me almost everything I know about playing guitar. Every time I pick up a guitar, I can feel his influence. Anyone who’s ever heard him play knows how special his talent is.

On or about January 10th, Tommy went to the emergency room, where doctors discovered he had suffered an aortic dissection — a life-threatening condition that required emergency open-heart surgery. The surgery saved his life, but the road since then has been incredibly difficult. In addition to the aortic dissection, Tommy suffered three strokes, and was placed in a medically induced coma for over a week. He was transferred to a rehabilitation facility and is now beginning the long process of recovery.

This GoFundMe was set up to help Tommy and his family with the overwhelming medical bills, the cost of rehab, and any care and support he will need once he is finally able to come home. As many of you know, recovery from something like this doesn’t end when you leave the hospital — it’s a long, exhausting journey.

Tommy is the epitome of the "4am Friend." You can call him any time, day or night, and he'll be there. He has always shown up for the people in his life. I can't even begin to count the times he's helped me.

Now it's our turn to show up for him.

As a lifelong Van Halen fan, we’re asking — if you’re able — to consider donating in multiples of $51.50 as a fun nod to his guitar-hero roots. That said, no amount is too small and no amount is too big. Every single dollar helps and is deeply appreciated.

If you can donate, share, or simply send some love Tommy’s way, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Let’s help Tommy heal and get back to doing what he loves most — playing guitar and inspiring the rest of us.