1002 NIGHTS

*****  UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER 26, 2011  ***** 

Dear Friends and Loved Ones,

It was nearly 5 months ago when doctors advised me that I had stomach cancer and less than four weeks to live.   They were wrong in part of their diagnosis.  My doctors did not take into account the power of prayers and the power of love from the thousands of my friends, fans and family.  It is because of your love, your prayers and your generosity that I am still alive today.

After nearly three months of intensive and sometimes painful treatment in Germany the cancer seems to be under control.  However there remains the possibility that the cancer may return and as such I am continuing to receive treatment, both traditional and holistic - alternative here in San Francisco.  If all goes well, I may spend the winter months in India to continue receiving cost effective alternative treatments while staying close to friends and families. 

You all donated nearly $75,000 to fund my medical treatment.  Live fundraising concerts were held to raise additional monies.

In a month, with the help of my record label Six Degrees Records, we will be releasing a downloadable compilation that features original, new, never published tracks from artist friends such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit G.S. Sachdev, Natacha Atlas, Karsh Kale, Nitin Sawhney, Midival Punditz, Kailash Kher, Azam Ali, Simon Shaheen, Bombay Dub Orchestra, Cheb Mami, Steve Shehan, Amina, Mercan Dede, Transglobal Underground, Freq Nasty & David Starfire, Emam, Jai Uttal, Riffat Sultana, Janaka Selekta, Opium, Watcha Clan. All proceeds from this compilation shall be donated to fund my continued medical treatment.

For those of you who would like to donate through PayPal, you may do so to my email address: chebisabbah@chebisabbah.com

I don't think I can adequately express my thanks and love to you all.  I lived long enough to come back to my home and favorite city: San Francisco. I lived long enough to see the birth of my granddaughter, Rachel and with your continued love, prayers and support I will live long enough to share new music with you and to see you all on the dancefloor.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Love & Light

Cheb i Sabbah

-------   UPDATE AS OF JUNE 29, 2011 ------

Chebiji is currently undergoing  treatment and posted a message in the "updates" section of this campaign.  

Thank you for your love and blessings.

 -------   UPDATE AS OF JUNE 20, 2011 ------

With your incredible support we achieved our initial goal of raising $25,000  for Chebiji's Cancer Treatment Fund.   PLEASE keep donating to help us defray the massive costs of Chebiji's on going medical treatment.  The campaign will remain active until August 15, 2011.  

On behalf of Chebiji, we thank you all for your blessings, generosity and kindness. 

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OUR STORY

Musical pioneer Cheb i Sabbah was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer.  He was advised that the cancer was spreading to his liver and left lung and that time was not on his side.    Like many Americans, Chebiji - as he is affectionately known does not have health insurance.  Due to his weak health condition, Chebiji found himself having to cancel live shows, meaning his income stream has come to a complete halt, with mounting medical bills and future medical costs ahead. 

Upon learning of his condition, a few close friends and artists have come together to rally around Chebiji and assist him with his fight.  Devastated by the news and outraged that an artist of Chebijis caliber cannot afford to care for himself and receive the proper urgent medical treatment needed, we have set up a fund to help.

THE IMPACT

Sabbahs influence on the global electronic music and DJ scene cannot be over estimated. He has shown two entire generations that classical world traditions can blend beautifully and respectfully with DJ Culture.  Thousands have experienced his music and artistic vision through his many albums and on his dance floors whether in Goa, Essaouira, Moscow or at Nickies, where he ran an eighteen year San Francisco weekly residence, we know what a beautiful gift Chebiji has been to the world at large. This is our opportunity to give something back to Cheb i Sabbah in his time of need    

WHAT WE NEED

We have identified a cancer clinic in Germany that is ideally suited for Chebijis condition and age.  We estimate a treatment and recovery period of one year during which time Chebiji will be unable to work.  Our conservative projected costs for his treatment and household expenses during the treatment and recovery period is at least $45,000 but in all likelihood, considerably more. We hope to raise monies through private donations, benefit shows and benefit albums/remix albums.  In addition, we turn Chebiji's friends and fans to help us raise at least $25,000.   The breakdown of monies needed is as follows:

1.             Cancer Treatment inclusive of airfare and lodging:   Minimum: $27,000

2.             One Year of Fixed Expenses (Rent/Storage/Electric ): $18,000

Please note that our estimated cost of $45,000 only the minimum projected cost of Chebiji's cancer treatment.  There may be unanticipated costs incurred during his treatment so please donate generously.

HOW ELSE YOU CAN HELP

We ask all of Chebijs friends and fans to help spread the word about his condition via all social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook). 

www.chebisabbah.org