Crowdfunder launched for care expenses of Optimo’s JD Twitch

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help JD Twitch, one half of beloved Glaswegian DJ duo Optimo (Espacio), raise money for urgent care and therapies following his diagnosis with a terminal brain tumour (glioblastoma).

A fundraiser event at Queen’s Park Arena in Glasgow on Sunday, July 20, is also taking place with tickets on sale now. Artists association with Optimo are on the bill: Isa Gordon, Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble and GK Machine, who will be stepping in to DJ with Keith’s full endorsement.

Chet Capkiner, Director of Inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena, said: "Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades. Keith’s presence and influence changed many lives - including mine. This is a chance for us to return that care and energy, and to support him and his family when it matters most. A true musical mentor and inspiration to us all"

JD Twitch, real name Keith McIvor, publicly disclosed his condition earlier this month, saying “My symptoms weren't immediately diagnosed, and my health declined very quickly over just a few weeks.”

A few days later his family made a call for help in finding accessible housing in the Glasgow area offering nursing or palliative care, asking for assistance in locating somewhere “peaceful, private, and dignified”.

“Keith is extremely distressed on a busy hospital ward with five other patients,” his partner wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, home is not a safe or suitable option, and we’ve been told he’s not yet eligible for hospice care based on his current symptoms.”

The Crowdfunder page, which has been set up under the name Love2JDTwitch and confirmed as legitimate via Optimo’s Instagram, states: “Keith now requires 24-hour nursing care. His condition has affected his speech, his mobility and his independence. While he’s managed to take a few supported steps, he’s extremely vulnerable and needs constant assistance to do so safely. Referral by the NHS to a hospice in Glasgow would make everything much simpler. However, his symptoms are not currently advanced or severe enough to justify a successful referral, nor is it easy to predict when this might be the case.”

The page says that Keith has now been housed in a private residential nursing facility that “gives him a safe, supportive environment while we continue to explore the best long-term setting for his care.”

It adds: “While Keith's condition is extremely serious and likely to progress quickly, he's not currently in pain, can communicate well with patience, and is still present as the Keith we know and love. He can now connect to those most important to him in a better environment – with a determined group of friends and family around him, ready to do whatever we can to help him with what he wants and needs.”

Possible future options have been outlined, including exploring non-NHS treatment options, making Keith’s home accessible, full private care, or ongoing funding for his current private nursing placement.

A goal of £50,000 (approximately US$66,946) has been set which is said “should cover 8-12 weeks of respite care, additional support services and palliative care essentials, once all fees and tax are factored in.”

Any excess funds will be donated to causes and organisations Keith supports: Glasgow NW Foodbank; Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER); Brains Trust; and Taki’s Shelter, Crete.

At time of writing the fund is 95% of the way to reaching its goal with more than 800 supporters.

Read the full update and donate here, and get tickets for Optimo Music Presents: A Foodbank Fundraiser here.