Dennis Pepa, the founding bassist of San Francisco Bay Area metal band DEATH ANGEL, has been diagnosed with stage 4 duodenal cancer, a rare and aggressive form of intestinal cancer. The announcement comes via a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover the financial costs of his treatment and family expenses.

Pepa, who was a member of DEATH ANGEL from 1982 to 1991 and returned for a second stint from 2001 to 2008, shared details of his diagnosis and treatment plans in an introductory post on the GoFundMe page. The campaign aims to raise $150,000 to cover four key areas: treatment at the Immunocine Cancer Center in Mexico, travel, accommodation, and family support.

The Immunocine Center offers dendritic cell immunotherapy, a personalized treatment using the patient's own immune cells and tumor material. The treatment cost is estimated at $120,000, with the remaining funds allocated to travel, lodging, and daily household expenses. Pepa emphasized that while the amount seems large, every contribution counts and will directly support his medical journey.

The members of DEATH ANGEL have shared a link to the GoFundMe and issued a public appeal, urging the metal community to support Pepa. They described him as a foundational figure in the band's history and a vital part of the genre's sound and attitude. The band expressed their solidarity, stating that Pepa is not alone as he faces this battle, with the entire community standing by him.