The sister of former Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help aid the musician after she was injured in a car accident this month.
Earlier this month, acclaimed percussionist Janet Weiss took to social media to reveal she was being forced to cancel a tour with her bands Quasi and Slang due to a “scary car accident” which saw her right leg and left collar bone broken.
“As thoroughly bummed as I am about canceling the shows, I’m also incredibly thankful the accident wasn’t worse and so happy to be alive,” Weiss shared in a statement. “I am lucky my injuries will heal and I’ll be back at it in a couple months.”
In an update shared a few days later, the musician revealed that she would be spending “three months in a wheelchair,” but noted that she “dream[s] about playing the drums again.”
Check out Quasi’s ‘Birds’:
Now, Weiss’ sister has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the medical expenses that have amounted due to the incident.
“Because she will be in a wheelchair and out of work for at least 3 months, she will need help with the costs insurance doesn’t cover,” Julie Weiss wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Like: out-of-pocket medical bills, nursing care, physical therapy, the wheelchair ramp that was installed at her house, and paying for her monthly expenses while she can’t work.”
“There is no way this accident can stop her from drumming. She is determined and is a force of nature.”
While the campaign has almost doubled its goal of $25,000, Janet Weiss also offered up her own statement, thanking her friends and supporters for their help during this difficult time.
“The accident was terrifying and humbling and I am truly happy to be alive,” Weiss wrote. “But the pain and the uncertainty of how to get myself back to where I was physically and mentally have been at times daunting.
“Asking for help can be really scary too so thank you for blowing my mind with your generosity and proving that everything is gonna be alright.”
While Janet Weiss has performed with a number of bands over the years, including The Jicks and Wild Flag, Weiss was best-known for her work in Sleater-Kinney.
Early last month, the drummer announced her departure from the group, noting that “the band is heading in a new direction and it is time for me to move on,” with the remaining members of Sleater-Kinney noting they were “saddened” by her decision to leave.