Lit’s Allen Shellenberger suffering from brain tumor
May 21st, 2008, 4:07 pm · 7 Comments · posted by Ben Wener
Rough times for O.C. band Lit: Drummer Allen Shellenberger, 38, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor — a malignant glioma, to be exact, the same form of cancer that Sen. Ted Kennedy is currently battling.
News that a tumor had been discovered was announced on Lit’s site on May 5, after which the group canceled plans to open for KISS on a coming European tour. Figures from The National Cancer Institute indicate that Shellenberger’s cancer is rare, affecting approximately 10,000 Americans per year.
The band’s longtime publicist, Ken Phillips, reports that Shellenberger, who is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments, remains in good spirits. In a statement, guitarist Jeremy Popoff also added that “Allen’s young and healthy, and if anyone has a chance to beat this, it’s him. As sad and scared as we all are, we’re standing by him and staying positive. We’re going to fight this together.”
I’ve interviewed Lit a few times over the years, since back before they played Woodstock ‘99 and hits like “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable” made them regulars on KROQ. So I’ve come across Allen here and there — always with a smile and a welcome handshake to greet me, no matter what I may have said about the band in print. I can tell you this challenge couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Stay strong, dude.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Allen- Stay strong dude…. and we will keep you in our Prayers, and your band mates and your family….. and look forward to seeing you rocking in the near future! You are a great talent and great guy…. YOU WILL BEAT THIS!
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Allen,
Your in our thought and prayers. Stay strong and know that you have support from us. Wish we could be the to help. We know that you are in good hands with the family there. Keep smiling and we hope to see you in December.
Hendrick and Kelly (Germany)
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:29 am
ALLEN, WE R PRAYING REAL HARD 4 U” WE KNOW WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH” STAY STRONG AND LET US KNOW WHEN U WOULD LIKE TO MEET US AT THE SLIDEBAR 4 LUNCH”, AUNTIE DIANE CAN EAT NOW!!!! WE LOVE U VERY MUCH !!!!!
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Allen,
Oh my gosh, we are so sorry to hear about this. You are totally in our thoughts and prayers. You are such a good guy and i wish we could be there for you and your mom, Connie. We miss seeing you….we are wishing you all the best and if you ever need anything, please call us.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline, Rick, Allie & Isabella
(the Brodt’s)
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Stay strong and positive. My thoughts are with you.
May 27th, 2008 at 6:34 am
ALLEN BUDDY, SENDING YOU ALL OUR BEST WISHES AND GOOD THOUGHTS FROM THE CANCER SURVIVORS OUT HERE !!! THINKING OF YOU MY FRIEND AND SENDING ALL GOOD VIBES TO YOU !!!
JONNY IMERMAN
June 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Allen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear about the battle you are facing. Stay strong and positive. I will put in a prayer request at church as well. Take care.
Judy Guinn
(Daniel’s mom)