Cleveland, Ohio drummer Jim Konya (Nunslaughter, Schnauzer, Spawn Of Satan, Gravewurm) suffered a serious stroke on Wednesday, September 9th.  He was admitted to ICU at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland where he was initially unable to speak, eat, stand or move his right side for several days.  As his condition stabilized recently, Jim was moved to a regular hospital room where he can now see visitors.  He is starting to slowly make positive progress in his recovery and scheduled to start rehab in a few days if test results continue to show improvement.

The Cleveland metal and hardcore community has rallied together to help Jim.  A crowdfunding campaign has raised over $24,000 to help with his medical expenses in just 4 days, shattering the original goal of $6,666. 

“GoFundMe is sending us a giant check to give to Jim”, says concert promoter Emma White.  “In the past 4 days, 531 generous donors have raised a total of $23,297 and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down yet!”

“The outpouring of support has been overwhelming but I’m not surprised”, says Bill Peters (WJCU, Auburn Records).  “Jim is an iconic and well-known person in the underground music world here.  He’s been both a musician and supporter of our local music scene for well over 25 years.  The guy has a great sense of humor and can always bring a smile to your face.  I can remember when he was just a teenager calling in requests and inquiring about bands I played on my radio show back in the 80’s.  We ended up becoming very good friends over the years. 

“Time and time again this music community has reached out to help those in need.  They did the same for Venomin James drummer Jared Koston when he was diagnosed with cancer and the Iannicca family to help block the parole of the man who murdered Destructor bassist Dave Iannicca.  It’s good to know we’ve got each other’s backs.  This is a very special heavy metal scene we have here in Cleveland, unlike any other place I have been.  I was shocked when I heard the news about his stroke.  I had just spent the entire weekend with Jim at the Hell’s Headbash festival.  I immediately wanted to do whatever I could to help.  My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Jim and the Konya family.  He will beat this!  The entire Cleveland music community is behind him.”

Jim performed with the band Gravewurm on Sunday, September 6th at the Hell’s Headbangers Records & Distribution 15th Anniversary Hell’s Headbash festival at the Cleveland Agora.  He then performed the following night with Schnauzer at Now That’s Class.  He suffered a stroke two days later while at work.  A coworker found him unresponsive in his delivery truck and immediately called 911.  A large gathering of friends turned out last Sunday afternoon on short notice to do a group photo shoot for Jim.  Jon Lichtenberg from Scene Magazine volunteered to be the photographer.  The event was the brainchild of Mark Soberay, owner of Rock And Roll City Studios in Cleveland. “I was so upset about Jim. I have been his friend and rehearsal studio landlord for 19 years. I was in a horrible accident 2 years ago. My friends all got together and did a huge photo shoot for me. It was blown up and put in my hospital room.  It was a huge boost to my morale. I came up with the idea to do the same for Jim.”

In addition, local bands are organizing benefit shows around town and friends have been filling his hospital room with cards and gifts.  “Most of you know that Jim doesn't do computers or social media so maybe you could send him a nice card”, says Schnauzer bandmate Scott Schumacher. “I'm sure everyone that knows him has received something from him whether it be a shirt, sticker, CD, record or whatever.  Now it's time to give a teeny bit back to him so here's the address:

Jim Konya C/O Metro Health Medical Center 2500 Metro Health Drive Cleveland OH  44109 Friends and fans can also pledge their financial support online to the crowdfunding campaign here.