Jared Koston, the 40-year-old drummer of the Cleveland, Ohio-based metal band VENOMIN JAMES who has been diagnosed with two brain tumors stemming from stage IV melanoma cancer, is scheduled to start chemo treatments next week at University Hospital in Cleveland.

“The doctor wants Jared to try a trial treatment”, says Jared’s wife Michele Koston. “It is chemo and another experimental new drug. It is good for people with melanoma that has spread to the brain. This actually can cross the blood-brain barrier to better attack brain tumors. No chemo does that.”

Venomin James’ new Crowe Valley Blues album, which Jared recorded on, will be released by Auburn Records in May. Lead vocalist Jim Meador, who is overseas stationed on the frontlines in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, is scheduled to return home in June. Auburn will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the CD to help the Koston family.

Auburn Records president Bill Peters organized a surprise visit for Jared at his home in Madison, Ohio this past Sunday, April 11 consisting of musicians and friends from the Auburn and Cleveland metal community (see picture below).

“I wanted to do something special for Jared and his family to let him know people are out there thinking and caring about him”, says Peters. It’s one thing to read messages of support online but seeing and talking to people in person takes it to another level, especially for a person who has not been able to leave his house much the past couple of months.

”Our visit brought tears to his eyes. There was not a dry eye in the room amongst us. It was a very emotional moment. The Venomin James guys had been making visits to see Jared and Michele said it was really helping pick up his spirits. I thought this would help too. We spent an entire Sunday afternoon with Jared and his family talking about music, sharing life stories, laughs and words of encouragement. Many of the people who came out did not know Jared personally but do now. I am already planning a second visit in May when Jared’s brother from Texas comes to Cleveland.”
“Today was an amazing day for Jared”, says Michele commenting on the surprise visit. “He was so happy to see all those people at the door. It really means the world to me and Jared. He is so much stronger today because of the visit. It makes him want to fight harder and harder. Not only does it make Jared stronger but it makes me stronger as well. It is very hard at times not to breakdown. Thank you all so much. You made Jared so happy today. He will beat this demon because of all of you in our life.”

”It was so touching to see everyone band together for Jared”, says Venomin James lead vocalist Jim Meador from Afghanistan. “I wish I could have been there. Thanks so much to everyone.”

Peters goes on to add, “Our Cleveland Metal community is very unique and special. I am very proud to be part of it for so many years. The unity of support everyone has shown for one of our fallen brothers has made a difference in this family’s life.”

The Kostons have four children, no health insurance or current employment due to Jared's illness.

Cash, checks and money orders (payable to Jared Koston) can be sent to:

The Koston Family

3060 Princeton Drive

Madison, Ohio 44057

USA

PayPal donations can be sent to: jaredkoston@rocketmail.com (be sure to mark "personal," then select "gift"). There also is a Koston Cancer Funds "cause" page set up on Facebook.

The heavy metal community has donated thousands of dollars from around the world in a grassroots effort to help the Koston family.

“We have so many wonderful people helping us”, adds Michele. “People that we do not even know but now we do and we love and care for all of them. Jared told me he just has to beat this because of the all the amazing people out there helping us. Thank you all for making my husband so strong.”

Michele Koston has organized two spaghetti dinner fundraisers at the Stadium Grill in Mentor, Ohio on May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Madison, Ohio on May 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.

A Harley Davidson benefit run, organized by Kristen Matejka, will take place on Saturday, May 15.

The Koston Benefit Run will start at Western Reserve Harley Davidson in Mentor, Ohio and end at Liberty Harley Davidson in Boston Heights, Ohio. Tickets are being sold for $7.00 a piece with proceeds going to the Koston Family.

The run will feature food, beverages, a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, a raffle for donations made by local businesses and a live performance at Liberty Harley Davidson in Boston Heights by Auburn recording artists H.A.T.E.

Donations from the 50/50, food and bake sale will go to the Koston family for medical, travel and other expenses.

Two videos of Venomin James’ last performance in Cleveland on February 19, 2009 at The Breakfast Club, featuring Jared on drums, have been posted. The band performed a fundraiser for radio station WJCU, who needed to raise money due to University budget cuts to help with operating expenses. Lead vocalist Jim Meador was overseas but the band wanted to play the benefit regardless to help the college radio station who has been so supportive of them over the years. The videos posted are instrumental versions of two of the band’s newest songs 'Unholy Mountain' and 'Rise'.