Jessi Zazu, Former Those Darlins Vocalist, Battling Cancer

When charmingly ramshackle cowpunks Those Darlins called it quits after three very good albums and a series of swell final shows earlier this year, singer Jessi Zazu was hoping to work on her visual art and new solo music in the aftermath. But after spending the tour in self-described "poor health," she returned home and was diagnosed with Stage 2 cervical cancer. Keeping the news to herself while she hoped to receive treatment, in November she learned the cancer had already spread through her lymphatic system.

"This is typically what they would call a 'no cure scenario,' but I refuse to believe that to be the case. I feel healthy, happy, hopeful, determined, positive, and full of sparks and nails," Zazu said in a statement.

Having spent a week in the ICU and now undergoing her second round of chemotherapy, the singer has created a YouCaring page to help crowdfund her medical expenses where fans can donate here. She's also selling "Ain't Afraid" t-shirts in her online store named for the courageous, sadly prescient Those Darlins track that closes their 2013 final album Blur the Line: "There's a tumor growing on my body, I don't know what lays in store, but I ain't afraid anymore." Fans can also wish her well via snail mail:

Jessi Zazu
P.O. Box 92017
Nashville, TN 37209

At press time, Zazu's statement said, "In these next few months I plan to continue recording with [fellow Those Darlins bandmate] Linwood [Regensburg] and looking forward to a musical future with the world. I also am working on a visual art show about my experiences this year."

Fuck 2016 though, seriously.