Jennifer Finch, co-founder and bassist of the pioneering all-female punk band L7, died on July 19, just a week after her bandmates revealed she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Tributes poured in from across the music and entertainment industries following the announcement, including from Garbage, actor Norman Reedus, No Doubt guitarist Tony Kanal, and Violet Grohl. Halestorm singer Lzzy Hale also commented on the family's post, writing: "She was an inspiration to so many young women. How many girls saw themselves reflected in Jennifer and decided to pick up an instrument — much love to friends and family."
A 'Cultural Instigator'
Finch, who described herself on her personal website as "a cultural instigator, punk rock icon, and multi-disciplinary artist," built a career beyond music that included photography, writing, and performance."The level of care Jennifer needs has gone beyond what friends and family can safely provide around the clock," the fundraising page read. "As we face the difficult reality that Jennifer may have more good days behind her than ahead, we are asking for help to make the time she has with her friends, family, and fans as comfortable, meaningful, and full of love as possible."
Proceeds from the fundraiser were intended to cover professional in-home nursing care, physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, home-care expenses, medical and legal costs, and the completion of an unfinished creative project originally slated for release next year. As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $396,000 toward a $350,000 goal.
As of Monday afternoon the fundraiser has not received an update after her passing on how the raised funds would be used.
According to the band, Finch's diagnosis also reshaped L7's touring plans, disrupting what the group had been calling "The Last Hurrah Tour," which had been organized while all four members were healthy. Though unable to join the upcoming U.S. dates, Finch personally asked her bandmates to move forward with the tour as scheduled.
"We will honor her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority," the band wrote.
L7 also urged fans to donate to and share the fundraising campaign. "Jennifer is part of our family," the band said. "We love her, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years."