Juan, this news is shocking to say the least... Hang in there my Raider brother and know that my thoughts, prayers and support are with you !!!

ROCK ON Extinguisher !!!



May 1, 2007
A Special Message from John Alderete to his fans

To my friends,

I have recently been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called Polycythemia Vera. It is classified as one of the Myeloproliferative disorders. Myeloproliferative disorders are an imbalance of the platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells in the bone marrow, which may result in serious complications that include enlargement of the spleen and liver, anemia, bleeding, stroke, heart attack or leukemia. The survival rate varies greatly, but the key is working closely with my physician to manage my health.. You can read more about the condition at http://www.mpdfoundation.org/index.htm

I am making this announcement public early because of the urgency of much needed donations! My disorder is considered an orphan disease meaning it affects fewer than 200,000 people. These disorders have been noticeably underserved with respect to research funding. Pharmecutical companies do not see much profit in 200,000 patients and the goverment tends to hand money to the bigger diseases plaguing our society.

I have agreed to help the MPD Foundation by asking all my friends and fans to become aware of this problem. You can reach out to your friends, and they can reach out to their friends until we have an army of supporters! Together we can help find a cure. You can help me and others living with this disease by donating to: http://www.mpdfoundation.org/donations.htm

As for me, I am doing awesome. I feel great and ready to rock! I am relieved at this point to know exactly my condition, so that my doctor at the UCLA Medical Center can begin treatment immediately in order to mitagate any future symptoms. I will be on a drug called Hydrea to get my blood counts to normal levels. I have been told that the overwhelming majority of patients do not experience any physical side-effects from this treatment, which means - I will continue to rock the universe for you!

This is just the beginning of my attempts to raise money and awareness. I will keep you all posted on my endeavors and progress.

Love,

Juan

Thats definitely a surprise. I hope Juan gets well soon.

Hey Doc, anymore insight into this rare disease other than what Juan has already mentioned???

Juan is one of my favorite bass players.
My thoughts are with him.

Don't leave us!

... fuck

I'm not 18 yet so I can't donate, and we're already donating to someone regularly.

I had a friend in primary school, I knew him when I was 6, and one day he disappeared...

I later found out he had a major accident and now lies in a coma, he is still in his coma now.. and is 17 yrs old just like me, his parents are desperate to finding a way to wake him up because dortors said his case had a chance, but still nothing.

anyway, I'll probably donate to this in a couple of years, when I have an income.

Shocking...May the force be with Juan.

I was absolutely devistated reading that, until this.

I would give everything I own to see Juan live a full, healthy, Racer X filled life.

Rock on Juan, we all love you.

that's sad
hopefully he can raise enough money, but it should be possible, just think of all the mars volta fans.

Wow, sorry to hear that dude. I wish you all the best in getting through it.

Damn...I hope his treatment works and the donations do well.

I'm re-posting this on my other sites. I hope you will do well John.. My prayers are with you..

I really do hope everything goes well.

That's really shocking...

But I believe Extinguisher coming back!!
And hope getting well.
Don't lose,Juan!

Oh man, this is definately shocking news. I hope Juan will get through this well, I'm sure he will be fine for some time to come. I can't donate just yet, but I will when I can...

Sorry to hear that. Get well soon Juan, our thoughts are with you.

Keep on rockin'!

Man this sucks. But John, you'll be coming back full blast, we have to have anothe RX album. And fuck that, i WOULD NOT buy a racer x album without john. Youll be okay dude!

Life´s so unfair

I'll spread the word, is the least we can do.

If there's anything else we can help with don't hesitate to ask.

Animo Juan!!! a seguir Rockeando, A WEBO!

Wow, this is kind of a shock to me .

Well, i hope you can raise enough money, get well soon and ready to rawk !