Chris Gaffney, founding member and lead singer of the Hacienda Brothers [ tickets ], has been diagnosed with liver cancer and a website has been set up to help offset his medical costs and living expenses, according to a press release. Though Gaffney, who will begin intensive chemotherapy early next month, has health insurance, it does not cover all of the expenses necessary to fight the disease.

Gaffney and the Hacienda Brothers completed the recording of their new CD just before the cancer diagnosis. When the disc is released this summer, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Chris Gaffney Recovery Fund. The band is also planning several benefit concert throughout the end of the year to help raise money for the Gaffney fund. The dates of the benefit shows will be posted on the Hacienda Brothers' website as they are confirmed.