Music heals.
I’m changing directions a bit on my A to Z journey through the Music-Fan Connection to focus on something that impacts us all: cancer and the quest for its cure.
From the biggest, hottest celebrity musician to the unknown hopeful kid banging on pots and pans, from the oldest fan down to the youngest: the disease doesn’t discriminate and the benefit of eradicating it would be universal.
Music helps.
DrumsForCures :: drumSTRONG
I came across DrumsForCures :: drumSTRONG about a year ago and was intrigued, so I began following their Facebook page. The non-profit charity organization produces multicultural, musical, charity events showcasing available resources that support people with cancer and those who love them. According to their mission statement by founder Scott Swimmer: “Drums are the perfect communicator as rhythm welcomes and embraces all who participate. Music truly engages all ages, wages and stages of health. We gather folks to rhythm (drum for crazy long periods of time), focusing on individual and community health; drumming in honor of, in memory of and working for cancer solutions.”
Swimmer began DrumsForCures after the 2004 diagnosis of his son, and in 2007, the first annual drumSTRONG was realized.
The group drummed for 25 hours, non-stop.
There have been drumSTRONG events in over 70 cities in 25 countries since then, raising both awareness and funds for local cancer initiatives. The events have been webcast so that cities worldwide, as well as individuals in hospitals who aren’t able to physically join an event, can play together.
drumSTRONG – photo credit: www.drumstrong.org
drumSTRONG – photo credit: www.drumstrong.org
Funds are raised through ‘per hour drumming’ sponsorship and donations are disbursed to local and international cancer organizations, with all cancers and all populations represented. There’s still time to join in this years’ main event, happening May 17-19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 2013 lineup includes Toubab Krewe and Sam Bush along with many more artists and events. Volunteers and donations are also welcomed. Also check out the rest of their upcoming events – there might be something happening near you!
Also, in honor of “D” and on topic…
The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is a non-profit charitable fund dedicated to support cancer prevention research, raise awareness and educate the public, with its focus on early detection and prevention. Formed in honor of the legendary singer who lost his life to stomach cancer, The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has hosted an annual Awards gala for the past two years, and last December, participated in a Celebrity Guitar Auction which raised $100,000. More than 80 instruments were donated, including guitars from Slayer, Def Leppard, Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Aerosmith, Slash, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Tony Iommi, the Foo Fighters, and many others.
Invitation to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund Awards Gala
One day, may music help find a cure.
A great post for D. It’s an amazing thing when people come together for such a good cause.
DD4 was a percussionist in the band all four years of high school. She will LOVE this!
Thanks for popping by, and yes – share away. Such a cool and worthy cause. 🙂
Very true about the younger audiences, Jen. Thanks for stopping by!
I hadn’t heard of them before. Neat. My husband and I have both had family members and friends with family members who’ve gotten cancer (including his mom who had colon cancer and beat it, for which I’m grateful, cause otherwise I’d never have met her). I hope they can drum up a cure.
Me too, Jaleh – wishing your family continued good health!
What a brilliant idea! I’d rather drum than run for a cure any day. And I read this shortly after learning of the great Roger Ebert’s passing today. So sad. Let’s drum so loudly cancer just gets fed up with the noise and goes away..
“Let’s drum so loudly cancer just gets fed up with the noise and goes away..” I *LOVE* the thought of that, Kelly! Thanks for weighing in. And yes, RIP, Roger Ebert. 🙁
WOW! You’ve got a theme in your A to Z-ness. I’m so impressed! I’m happy just to match up my letters. 🙂
Thanks for helping me learn stuff. I love this challenge!
Ha, thanks Jenny! Last year I enjoyed that randomness of the ABCs but this year I felt my madness needed a method! I’m enjoying More Cowbell’s posts!
Great post. Holistic therapy and raising money at the same time sounds great. I’d not heard of this before and will seek out if there’s any events over here. I’m really getting into live streaming and hope there’s a live stream of something if there’s not an event nearby. Sounds like there will be.
Thanks, Lynne. isn’t it amazing what the internet can do? Hope the live streaming works out!
Very cool! One of my many regrets in life and giving up playing the drums.
Never too late to take it back up again, Pam! (In all your free time, right?) 😉
What a great idea for a charity! I love drumming of all kinds, especially African drumming. I will definitely look into this! Great theme!
AtoZ Challenge Blogger: http://www.katkatravels.com
I’m learning a lot about the music community from your A to Z posts, Jessica. Can’t wait for E.
Thanks for following along, Pat! 🙂