We already know that Trent Reznor is a badass mofo when let loose with his Twitter account, when dealing with ticket scalping, and the major labels – but now he’s managed to increase his levels of awesomeness, by throwing his not inconsiderate internet-weight behind one man’s fight against the inequalities of the US health system. What a guy.

Eric De La Cruz is in desperate need of a heart transplant, but due to limitations of the American healthcare system – specifically the Nevada Medicaid programme – De La Cruz has been repeatedly turned down for a heart transplant list. Reznor has decided to lend a hand to the awareness and fundraising campaign led by Eric’s sister, Veronica, by way of some very interesting ticket packages.

Watch Trent Reznor answering questions submitted by Digg.com users

Give $300 to the cause, you and a buddy can watch Nine Inch Nails soundcheck at a show you have tickets for, and then give Reznor a big hug afterwards. For a $1000 donation, in addition to all that you’ll also get to have dinner with the bands and crew, watch the show from side of the stage, and hang out with Reznor and co after the show. If you don’t have tickets but can stretch to $1200, you and a friend get the plush $1000 deal action.

UPDATE: As of Saturday night, Reznor’s initiative has seen the total amount raised a staggering $645,990. We’ve done some sums, and that amount of moolah would buy Thrash Hits 120,000 bourbon and cokes in our local boozer.

We kinda wish Trent Reznor was our Dad. Actually we don’t, as our Dad is awesome – he bought us a King Diamond album when we were six years old. AWESOME. Nine Inch Nails will be playing at Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth Park on August 1-2 are onsale now from the festival’s official website. They’re also playing some sold-out shows on their own in July, but if you don’t have a ticket already then you’d better fish out that wallet and get donating…