Athens band's guitarist and founder battling cancer

ATHENS - One of the founding members of Widespread Panic says he has cancer, according to the Athens-based band&#39;s official website. Guitarist and vocalist Michael ``Mikey&#39;&#39; Houser confirmed that he is battling terminal cancer in a statement to fans. <br> <br> ``Though some of you may have thought I have caught a bad break, I feel like the luckiest man in the world,&#39;&#39; Houser writes, quoting baseball great Lou Gehrig. ``Between my best friends, J.B., Todd, Sunny, Dave and JoJo, and you, our friends, and best support group in the world, I feel strong and well taken care of. <br> <br> Speculation about Houser&#39;s health had been circulating since spring when he missed some scheduled appearances. He also has missed much of the group&#39;s summer tour which began June 21 in Tennessee. <br> <br> ``Everything that has to be said right now is in the statement,&#39;&#39; Widespread Panic publicist Paula Donner said. <br> <br> Houser is one of the group&#39;s founders. The band formed in 1985 and is up for studio album of the year at the third annual Jammys, which honor jam bands and musicians.