Levon Helm Nears Death in Final Cancer Stages; Receives Fan Messages
Former drummer for The Band, Levon Helm has entered the final stages of cancer and is being comforted by his family. Helm continues to suffer due to his condition, although his family has reportedly kept his spirits up by reading him messages from fans on Wednesday.
The multiple Grammy-award winning musician was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998, but the drummer is reportedly nearing death now.
A day after Helm's wife and manager revealed that the 71-year-old was dying, fans opened to express respect and admiration for Helm via Facebook and Twitter.
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"Thank you, all, for the outpouring of kindness and love," said Barbara O'Brien, Helm's manager, in an update Wednesday as she read messages of love and support from fans to Helm.
"I know Levon is feeling it and that love will help guide him through this final journey, YOU are truly people with class and Levon would think the world of you," O'Brien continued. "The pain of knowing we're going to lose him is almost too much for all of us to bear at the moment. But it can't be about US. This is about honoring this great man's dignity and privacy. Let's send him off with love, positive energy, lots of light and words of support and comfort. Keep sending the great posts. I'm going to read them all to him."
On Twitter, hundreds of fans including celebrities are expressing their respects for the drummer.
"Levon Helm- our most positive vibrations go out to Levon Helm who is battling cancer in a most serious way…" wrote Band of Horses on their Twitter account Wednesday.
"Much love to Levon Helm," wrote MTV's Kurt Loder.
Bob Dylan & The Band's official Twitter account posted, "We are very sorry to have to relay this message from Levon Helm's camp," reporting the drummer's health status.
Along with messages from fans, Helm's former bandmates are also offering their love and support for their friend.
"I am too sad for words right now," wrote Garth Hudson, founding member of The Band, on his official website. "Please continue praying for Levon and family."
