New Found Glory’s lead guitarist, Chad Gilbert, has faced a daunting challenge during his latest battle with cancer. After years of fighting a rare adrenal gland cancer, Gilbert’s resilience and gratitude shine even in the face of new tumors. His determination not only inspires fans but also demonstrates the fortitude required in the toughest of battles. Here’s a closer look at how Chad Gilbert tackles his latest health scare, echoing his sentiment, “I feel very, very lucky”.
Unexpected Challenges on Stage
On the day New Found Glory released their 12th album, Listen Up!, Chad Gilbert encountered an unexpected setback. Despite decades of performing, the guitarist found himself unable to play familiar chords as his left side failed to cooperate. Earlier that evening, he had been visibly unwell, casting up in the green room before being assisted onstage by fellow band members.
“The show was amazing, but something wasn’t right,” Gilbert shared in a conversation with Rolling Stone. Despite his usual fervor, this performance at Nashville’s The End had stark contrasts with his past routines. A week later, reflecting from his home recuperations, Gilbert discussed the alarming symptoms he experienced that night, revealing more about his health condition.
A Frightening Diagnosis
Following a concerning weekend, Chad Gilbert received immediate medical attention. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, recounted the swift actions taken by doctors that uncovered three new tumors pressing on his brain, significantly impacting his motor functions. “One of them was the size of a walnut,” she explained, elucidating the severity of the situation.
He shared the distressing news with his audience in a heartfelt Instagram post on March 23. Since his 2021 diagnosis, Gilbert’s journey through metastatic pheochromocytoma and adrenocortical carcinoma has been a public battle, chronicling each step with bravery and resilience.
Regaining Strength and Hope
After surgery to remove one tumor, Gilbert saw incremental improvements, offering hope amidst the chaos. Yet, challenges persisted as fluid from the operation caused additional complications. Nevertheless, Gilbert underwent 10 rounds of radiation aimed at shrinking the remaining tumors, while adjusting to rigorous treatments designed to thwart cancer progression.
Despite the recent trials, his outlook remains remarkably positive. “It felt good to know there’s still a battle to be going on,” he said. Preparing for a tour with Yellowcard in May, his commitment to performance remains undeterred, although with necessary adjustments for health considerations.
Inspiration Through Music and Community
Beyond battling cancer, Chad Gilbert continues to find solace and motivation through music and fan engagement. He strives to transform personal struggles into empowering messages for the broader New Found Glory community. Through tracks like “100%” and “You Got This,” he channels his experiences into impactful music that resonates with listeners.
His drive extends beyond personal recovery, focusing on fostering an environment of positivity and hope among fans. “I have my crying moments… but I like that we can turn it around into something positive,” says Gilbert, embodying the spirit of perseverance and communal upliftment.
