(NEXSTAR) – A fundraiser for alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet, who suffered a “debilitating” stroke while touring in Canada last week, has exceeded its original goal of $250,000, according to updates from his management team.
“We and Matthew are overwhelmed with gratitude for the many generous donations and well-wishes from donors around the world in the last 48 hours,” Catherine Lyons, of Russell Carter Artist Management, wrote in an update to Sweet’s GoFundMe fundraiser. “With your direct help, Matthew was able to check out of the hospital in Toronto and successfully return to Omaha on board a medical flight attended by two nurses with medical equipment to keep him stable.”
Sweet, 60, was touring with Hanson in Canada when he suffered the stroke, his management team had announced earlier this week. Sweet’s upcoming appearances with Hanson were canceled, as were his upcoming headlining dates.
His management team said they were hopeful that Sweet might return to performing “in 2025,” but acknowledged that Sweet has a “long, uncertain path to recovery,” which will likely take months.
Sweet’s team added that they turned to GoFundMe for help with medical expenses as Sweet is uninsured.
“With each bill and test completed, we’re getting a clearer picture of the total cost of Matthew’s long, tough road to recovery,” Lyons wrote on the fundraising page, adding that a new goal has been set at $400,000.
As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had raised more than $320,000 from over 5,800 donors.
“Your contributions are profoundly helpful to Matthew — he is fully aware of your generosity and has asked that I convey his deep appreciation to all of you who have helped him,” Lyons wrote.
Sweet, originally from Nebraska, began playing in alternative groups in Athens, Georgia, after moving there for college in the early ’80s. He found breakthrough success with his 1991 album “Girlfriend,” which produced an eponymous top 10 hit on the Billboard charts.