In early May 2008 Lit announced that their drummer Allen Shellenberger was diagnosed with a malignant glioma. The tumor was discovered after friends noticed that Allen was not remembering things and then symptoms of numbness and tingling on his left side began. He is now undergoing intensive chemotherapy. After receiving his first dose of treatments he still rocked the house at the House of Blues show in Anaheim for a benefit on his behalf. Filling in for part of the set was Adrian Young of No Doubt. Al, as friends affectionately refer to him, has continued to stay positive and impress everyone around him with his strength and outlook. They are continuing to tour and on occassion you just might find Allen right there and perhaps even behind the drums for as long as he can be. This isn't their first time having to endure great physical and emotional strength.
As previoulsy written, Saturday June 4th 2005, Parents Kerry and Sheri Suglia were involved in a fatal accident on Southern California's Ortega Hwy. After a visit with their sons A.Jay and Jeremy Popoff and their children the two set off on their motorcycle when struck by a drunk driver who swerved into their lane and were hit head on. Kerry Suglia, the brothers step father, was killed on impact and Sheri Suglia suffered multiple serious injuries which put her into critial care. The female drunk driver was arrested and booked on Manslaughter charges. In Kerry's name a memorial fund has been established. You can also leave messages for the band on their web site www.litlounge.com
On a personal note Lit has done great things with their success for others including me personally and it has saddened us deeply here at imagesthatrock.com to learn of the horrible news. Kerry and Sheri Suglia were always very supportive of their sons as well as the entire band and would be seen at many of their shows with the largest smiles. Please visit www.litlounge.com, wish them well and consider contributing to the memorial fund which certainly will serve great purpose and in addition lets please do all we can to show support Allen Shellengerger, family and Lit for this great Orange County success story that proves that you can make it through anything and really gives hope to others that have to go through lifes extreme challenges.
They are our family and it's hard to sit back and watch. Once again all you can do is show support and love and keep them in your prayers. Please BUY all their music and consider your financial support to both Lit families through www.litlounge.com.
On a positive side note: Jeremy Popoff maintains his popular dream rock and roll themed restaurant/bar hot spot in Fullerton, CA called the Slide Bar Cafe. Take the trip and check it out! You can be sure the same efforts that rocketed Lit to their success has been matched in his latest venture the Slide Bar Cafe which was a featured trip on the reality show "Bad Girls". For more info visit www.slidebarcafe.com.
