Pete Witham has been hospitalized for almost a month, and four fundraisers are planned.

Friends and family members of Pete Witham, the Portland musician who has been hospitalized for nearly a month while doctors try to diagnose an illness that caused his spleen to rupture, are planning four fundraisers for him this weekend.

Pete Witham has been in Maine Medical Center since mid-June with an illness that caused his spleen to rupture. His friends and family are now planning fundraisers to help Witham cover his medical costs. Courtesy photo

Although Witham has health insurance, people have been raising money to defray medical costs that are not covered, said Mary Regan, a friend of Witham’s. “It’s going to be quite a bill and so his friends are trying to help out,” said Regan.

As of Thursday afternoon, a campaign on GoFundMe.com had raised $9,415 for Witham and his family, toward a goal of $20,000.

Witham, a rockabilly guitarist and leader of Pete Witham & The Cozmik Zombies, was on his way to a show June 15 when he became debilitated by abdominal pain. He experienced internal bleeding and his spleen had to be removed after it ruptured.

Regan said doctors at Maine Medical Center in Portland have theories about what is ailing Witham, 43, but are still working toward a clear diagnosis. The fundraisers planned for this weekend are scheduled for:

• Friday, 6 p.m.: Winnecook Christian Church, 4 Chapel Lane, Burnham. Entertainment includes country gospel musician Sonny Perry. Donations accepted.

• Saturday, 8:30 p.m.: Salvage BBQ & Smokehouse, 919 Congress St., Portland. Twenty percent of sales that night will be donated.

• Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m.: The Frog & Turtle, 3 Bridge St., Westbrook. Local music jam and BBQ buffet. $50, with $40 of each ticket donated.

• Sunday, 6 p.m.: Pittsfield Community Theatre, 137 Main St., Pittsfield. Local musicians will perform. $10 suggested donation.

For more information on Witham and fundraisers for him, go to Facebook: Peter S. Witham.

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