Fundraiser launched for pioneering Detroit DJ and producer Delano Smith’s cancer treatment

Friends, family and colleagues of Delano Smith have launched a crowdfunding campaign for the pioneering Detroit artist's cancer treatment. 

Smith was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called thymic carcinoma after surgery to remove a tumour on his heart, followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatment throughout 2022 were ultimately unsuccessful at ridding his body of cancer. Not only does Smith's treatment make it difficult for him to work, but the experimental medical treatment necessitated by this rare cancer is not covered by his insurance.

Created Monday, 20th March, the new GoFundMe campaign is seeking to help the venerated DJ and producer raise $250,000 to pay for the specialist treatment. At time of writing, more than $16,000 has been donated so far. 

"His previous treatment having proven ineffective at stopping this rare cancer, we need the specialists at Sloan Kettering and their particular methods to have hope to save his life", organisers Kali Patternbraker and Navid Zahraie wrote in the campaign. "Delano, his family, friends and colleagues who have come together to organize this fundraiser want to thank you for reading this and appreciate your generosity at this very difficult time. Any amount is greatly appreciated."

Patternbraker and Zahraie wrote that Smith is still booking some work in order to support himself throughout his health ordeal. "He has accepted a handful of gigs for this year for the need to have some income coming in even though the process of flying and performing has been extremely challenging", they said.

On Facebook today, Smith shared a note of gratitude. "Dearest family and friends," he wrote, "Thank you for your heartfelt prayers, support, words of encouragement and donations. It means the world to me. I love you guys!"

Donate to the GoFundMe campaign and learn more about Smith's condition here.

Watch Delano Smith's DJ set from DJ Mag's 2020 Virtual Festival below.