Pitchfork

Tragedy has struck neo-synth-pop duo I Am The World Trade Center. While on tour last month, singer Amy Dykes began to experience swelling in her neck and face. She was taken to a Virginia hospital on April 26th where preliminary testing discovered an "unidentified mass" in her chest. After another round of tests and a day of waiting, she was diagnosed with cancer of lymphatic system.

Lymphatic cancer, also known as Hodgkin's Disease, consists of malignant cell growth in the Lymphatic system, which is responsible for fighting off sickness in the body. At this point, it is unclear how far the disease has progressed, and as such, Dykes will be undergoing more testing in the coming days so that doctors may make a determination. She has also begun chemotherapy, and is currently resting in her hometown of Athens, GA.

The duo had been on a rigorous touring schedule throughout March and April with Paper Lions, and had a number of other dates planned through May. Understandably, those dates have now been cancelled, with the band's performance at Athens' 40 Watt Club last Friday marking the beginning of what will hopefully be a temporary hiatus. I Am The World Trade Center's third full-length, The Cover-Up, is due out next Tuesday via the band's new home, Gammon Records.

The band's official website is offering a day-to-day account of Dykes' progression, and offers an address to which fans may send correspondance and support.