Jennifer Finch, the musician, artist, and photographer best known as the bassist for rock outfit L7, is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, per a statement released by her representative.
When Finch was first diagnosed, it was believed her condition would be easily treated with radiation, but complications have since required her to undergo multiple surgeries. These have left her with severe physical limitations, and she requires extensive medical care.
Finch’s friends and family have launched a GoFundMe to cover the costs associated with her treatment and recovery. The money will help pay for professional nursing care, medical equipment, rehab and therapy, and other in-home care needs; plus, it will help recoup out-of-pocket medical expenses and legal fees. The GoFundMe will also support efforts to create an archive of Finch’s work and complete what’s described as “a significant creative project” that was scheduled for release next year.
Because of Finch’s diagnosis and treatment, she will not be joining L7 on the upcoming U.S. leg of their “Last Hurrah Tour.” The trek was originally planned when Finch was in good health, and she’s asked her bandmates to continue as planned.
“We are all devastated by the news and are surrounding her with love, protecting her privacy and dignity, while helping raise the resources she urgently needs for the care ahead,” L7 singer/guitarist Donita Sparks said in a statement. “Jennifer is family, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years.”
L7 formed in the mid-Eighties and released their self-titled debut in 1988. Finch served as the group’s bassist for most of their Nineties peak, but left the band in 1996. She played in two additional bands, OtherStarPeople and the Shocker, started her own label, Little Pusher Records, and worked extensively as a photographer. Finch reunited with L7 when the group got back together in 2015, and she played on their 2019 LP, Scatter the Rats.