good evening kids,

I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a while. It’s been a crazy time and I wish I had better news but tomorrow’s surgery has been postponed based on the current condition of Matthew’s swelling. It’s not necessarily bad news. The brain is one of the more delicate parts of a body and it takes the longest to heal. After almost 2 weeks it looks like we’re not quite ready for the 2nd surgery. Instead I’m taking Matthew back to the hospital tomorrow for a CT scan and visit with our doctors . based on the results of the scan, hopefully we’ll have a better idea of how soon we can reschedule the surgery. I’ll be sure to keep you guys posted. However, let’s focus on the positive eh? So much as happened in the past 2 weeks I can hardly keep track but I have been aware of all the amazing things you guys are doing. It’s important to me that you realize how grateful we are for every bit of it. Whether someone donates, contributes an item for auction, organizes benefit events, sends letter, emails, posts, texts, or so much as “thinks” about my brother’s well being… it’s all equally incredible and massively appreciated. Having said that I wanted to help spread the word on a few that I’m aware of.. Our dear friend Ryan Manno and his TTP crew (in conjunction with 5Bam) have put together a 2-day benefit show here in Chicago (aug. 21st at double door, aug. 22nd at hard rock hotel ballroom) featuring some amazing bands as well as an auction for which some of the biggest names, companies and bands have contributed items.. you’ve all made us feel like the luckiest people on the planet and we are forever in debted to all of you. Please visit http://www.throughthepain.org for details here are just a few of the contributors, donors, well wishers involved in forthcoming events… TTP crew (Ryan Manno, Jason Merz, David Karon, Justin Mohlman, Gil Perez, Arthur Mroczek) , Kevin Lyman / Warped Tour, Pete Wentz, Metallica, Clandestine Industries, Chelsea FC, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Ernie Ball, PRS Guitars, Mayhem Festival, John Reese, Uproar Festival, Live Nation, Roadrunner Records, our amazing management team 5BAM, Kevin Wilson/ESPN, Joe Shanahan,/Metro, Ajay Gosain, Greg Conforti, AJ/Soundwave Festival Australia, Bottom Lounge, David Bendeth, PledgeMusic, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Underoath, Anberlin, Circa Survive, Gene Simmons/Kiss, Nickelback, A Perfect Circle, Marilyn Manson, Korn, Chevelle, Ozzy Ozbourne, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus„ Rascal Flatts, Ratt, Prong, Mayday Parade, Linkin Park, Alexisonfire, 30 Seconds to Mars, Halifax, Papa Roach, Valencia, Story of the Year, The Audition, Closure in Moscow, Kill Hannah, The Lovehammers, Local H, AM Taxi, The Fold, The Frantic, The Lifeline, Makeshift Prodicgy, David Costa, Shawn Kelner, The Sleeping, Nonpoint, Disturbed, Finger Eleven, LFO, Biohazard, Mutiny Within, In This Moment, WWE, Warner Bros., Activision, Atlantic Records, Vagrant, EA Games, Marshall, Hard Rock, JBTV, Smart Water, Vitamin Water, Tour Smart, , Angels & Kings, DesignerKat Tees, Invisible Records, Earache, Manor, Rino, Rock Razor Scissors, Blue 13, etc. *obviously this list does not include individual donors or well wishers and we fully intend to recognize each and everybody who has acknowledged Matthew in any way.. 2 more things (sorry lol).. madina’s management company 5BAM has set up a donations platform with Sweetrelief.org and Pledgemusic. Matthew and I are way too shy to ask anyone for anything but a lot of people have asked where they can contribute to Matthew’s medical costs so here it is…. http://sweetrelief.org/news/sweet-relief-helping-raise-money-matthew-leone-madina-lake and finally.. if you or anyone you know has organized anything, be it a show, FB group, awareness organization, etc.. anything that this incident has inspired, please let me know so I can help spread the word on our madina FB, website, myspace etc. You all have changed the world for the better.. well done and thank you. xoxo nathan