I’m starting this GoFundMe as a family friend who loves Sean and his family dearly, and I wanted to share what’s going on and how we can help. Sean has been transferred by ambulance to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, far from home, and he’s there now waiting for yet another heart surgery. Many of you remember his first surgery four years ago, when he underwent a mitral valve repair and we all hoped that chapter of his life was behind him. Over time, though, he’s been struggling with a very high heart rate, fluid building up in his body, and feeling generally worn down, and recently the doctors discovered that his mitral valve is now not working at all. His heart has been working overtime for too long. He was admitted to the hospital, released, and—because he’s Sean—went right back to work and even played two shows over the weekend, trying to keep life “normal” for everyone else. But the medication that was supposed to help him at home just isn’t enough; his symptoms worsened, he ended up back in the ER, and this time the doctors decided he needs to stay in the hospital until he can have surgery. In his own words, he described leaving his room with a Lake Erie view and being taken south on 79, trading that open horizon for a small room with a vent that bangs like a metronome, counting down to something none of us can quite name. He’s hours from everything familiar, and as strong and stubborn as he is, this is scary and heavy. Sean is one of the most hardworking, dedicated people I know; he doesn’t know how to give up or slow down, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need help. This sudden turn has created a lot of financial stress for him and his family—lost income while he’s in Pittsburgh and recovering, travel back and forth, gas, parking, food, and all the medical costs that add up on top of everyday bills that don’t stop just because life does. So many people have asked how they can support them beyond thoughts and prayers, and that’s why this GoFundMe is here: to help ease some of the financial weight so Sean can focus on healing and his family can focus on being there with him. If you’re able to donate, share, or simply send more prayers and good vibes, it all matters and it all helps. He might not be able to respond to every message right now, but your kindness, calls, texts, and funny memes are going a long way. As a friend, I’ve seen firsthand how loved he is and how much he gives of himself; now it’s our turn to surround him with that same love and support and help bring him safely back home.