Vocalist of Bad Brains, H.R., has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called SUNCT, similar to cluster headaches. According to his wife, Lori, his headaches have gotten worse over the years to the point where he is now in almost constant pain. As of now, there is no cure for SUNCT, so Lori has become a full-time caregiver for him and the family is now struggling financially, especially with his condition worsening. They also started a GoFundMe campaign in order to help raise money and support during this trying time. The campaign is aiming to raise $50,000.
In an in-depth explanation on the GoFundMe page, Lori talked about how SUNCT has no cure and no reliable medical treatment. She explained that cluster headaches are often referred to as “Suicide Syndrome” because they are so intensely painful and they come randomly with no warning. They are also worse at night, for H.R. at least. Due to the intensity of the disorder, he is unable to work and Lori says he has no quality of life. Lori herself is a clinical herbalist and stated that she has been trying to use her own methods to help, but that nothing is working yet. Along with being a full-time caregiver, she also works full-time in retail management. She also manages H.R.’s business and schedule, along with normal household duties such as cleaning, paying bills, etc. On top of all that, she states she can’t sleep because he is crying out in pain, only adding on to her amount of physical stress.
Bad Brains was an American hardcore punk band that put out nine studio albums in the span of their career. Their latest one, Into the Future, was released in 2012. The album was a tribute dedication Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys. Bad Brains has not been having an easy time since then – in November of last year, guitarist Dr. Know was hospitalized and put on life support due to multiple organ failure. Though he is no longer in critical condition, another campaign was started for him to help pay off his medical funds as he continues to recover.