Grateful Dead fans unite to help two ailing team members fight cancer and blindness
Fans of the Grateful Dead are rallying to support two former members of the band’s team battling serious health issues. Former keyboardist Tom Constanten and lighting director Candace Brightman both face mounting medical bills as they deal with cancer and failing eyesight. Their struggles come at a time when medical debt is growing across the US, with many worried about rising healthcare costs.
Tom Constanten, who played keyboards for the Grateful Dead between 1968 and 1969, is undergoing intense radiation treatment for lung cancer. The sessions leave him exhausted for days, adding to the financial strain of his care. A GoFundMe campaign for him has raised nearly $70,000, close to its target.
Both campaigns have seen strong support, with Brightman’s exceeding its target and Constanten’s nearing its goal. The donations reflect the loyalty of the Grateful Dead’s fanbase, who continue to stand by those connected to the band. With medical costs rising and policy changes underway, their efforts highlight the growing challenges of healthcare affordability in the US.
