If you are a regular concert-goer, have attended one of a number of various festivals that span the country, and have kept your eyes open, chances are you have crossed paths with photographer Rex Thomson (the guy in the sash that says “Vote Rex”). From Jam Cruise to moe.down, Bonnaroo to Wakarusa, Rex has taken shots of so many of our favorite artists, and possibly even you. Now, he needs our help.
Rex travels around the country doing what he loves, photographing the music scene the we all love. Unfortunately, the pay rate for many in Rex’s position isn’t exactly comparable to that of a CEO of a major corporation; actually, it’s more like pennies on the dollar. He does it for the love of music and the scene that it creates.
Due to a variety of severe medical issues, Rex has been forced to undergo some major surgeries from a thyroid issue and diverticulitis (a hole in the colon wall which spills poison into your body), and has seen medical expenses continue to rise as he tries to get his health back to a positive place. Here is part of the statement that Rex made on his GoFundMe campaign page:
“Though it’s embarrassing and painful to ask for help sometimes, I just don’t see any other way around it. I’m trapped far from home, with no money to pay the bills waiting for me there. I set out to show the love in the music scene specifically, and the world in general, and now I’m hoping there’s enough of that love to help drag me out of this massive hole I’ve found myself in. This money I’m asking for isn’t going to the production of the documentary, or my travel…it’s going to help me save my life. The constant stress is eating me alive, my credit is destroyed and this is my last hope for turning this all around without losing everything I have worked so hard to build.”
Whether it is $5, $25, $50, or more, anything helps. If everyone gives just a little, it will add up to a lot for Rex. Donations can be made here.