The Nov. 2, 2008 car accident left Cheng in the ICU for months. Although the bassist is now recovering at home in a stable condition, he’s still in a semi-conscious state. The website set up in support of the bassist, One Love For Chi, explains that “Chi is in more of a semi-conscious state. So technically not in a ‘coma’ (with a coma there is no wakefulness) since he started tracking with eyes and saying words.”

Deftones fans have rallied behind Cheng and raised $77, 798.56 for the Chi Ling Cheng Special Needs Trust with funds helping to pay for the bassist’s growing medical costs, survival and long-term recover. Fans can continue to show their support by attending one of two benefit concerts.

The benefit shows take place Thursday and Friday at The Avalon / Bardot Hollywood in Los Angeles. Tickets for Thursday’s show are sold out. General admission tickets to the Friday show are available for $39.50 plus any applicable service fees.

Deftones are also holding a three-week online auction for Cheng through Charity Buzz. The auction kicks off tomorrow, Nov. 17. More information about the auction will be available on the band’s website Monday afternoon.

Frontman Chino Moreno recently posted the following message to fans:

“We, Deftones are so very grateful to all for your donations and time you’ve put into making this a success. I myself had no idea it would be this big. Just goes to show how many good friends and good will Chi has made over the last 20 years, just being the good dude he is.

“If you were lucky enough to befriend Chi over the last couple decades you would know that there is not a more kind, or more giving person. It’s so great to see it all coming back around for him.

“I really want to thank everyone that has kept him in their thoughts, prayers, and kept all the positive energy and love flowing his way. I truly believe he will return to us one day when he is good and rested with a great story to tell in his off the wall Cheng sense of humor. Chi is one tuff “MF” and if anyone can make it through this, it’s gonna be him.

“Chi, I miss you and love you and so does the world. Hope to see you soon.”

The Deftones last performed Nov. 7 as part of the Maquinaria Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The month before the band toured North America opening for Slipknot and squeezed in a slot at the Oct. 24 Cypress Hill SmokeOut fest in Devore, Calif. 

Click here for the Deftones’ website.

Click here for the One Love For Chi website.

Click here for tickets to Friday’s benefit show.