RACER X bassist John (Juan) Alderete has issued the following update via the band's official website:

"To my friends,

"I have recently been diagnosed with a rare blood disease called Polycythemia Vera. It is classified as one of the Myeloproliferative disorders. Myeloproliferative disorders are an overproduction of platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells in the bone marrow, which may result in serious complications that include enlargement of the spleen and liver, anemia, bleeding, stroke, heart attack or leukemia. The survival rate varies greatly, from 3-20 years depending on the type of disorder and which complications ensue. You can read more about the condition at www.mpdfoundation.org.

I am making this announcement public early because of the urgency of much needed donations! My disorder is considered an orphan disease meaning it affects fewer than 200,000 people. These disorders have been noticeably underserved with respect to research funding. Pharmaceutical companies do not see much profit in 200,000 patients and the goverment tends to hand money to the bigger diseases plaguing our society.

I have agreed to help the MPD Foundation by asking all my friends and fans to become aware of this problem. You can reach out to your friends, and they can reach out to their friends until we have an army of supporters! Together we can help find a cure. You can help me and others living with this disease by donating to www.mpdfoundation.org/donations.

As for me, I am doing fine right now. My doctor at the UCLA Medical Center has recommended I begin treatment immediately. I will be on a drug called Hydrea to get my blood counts to normal levels. I have been told that most patients do not experience any physical side-effects from this treatment, which means — I will continue to rock the universe for you!

This is just the beginning of my attempts to raise money and awareness. I will keep you all posted on my endeavors and progress."

Juan