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About Us
Welcome to Rock Against Cancer, a nonprofit organization that supports the emotional needs of young cancer patients with Music Therapy and special music events. Music Therapy helps not only to soothe young patients by alleviating stress and anxiety, but also to provide a voice and an outlet for their feelings during treatment.
History:
The family and friends of Gabriel Titus founded Rock Against Cancer in January 2000. Diagnosed with childhood leukemia in 1996, Gabe successfully completed three years of chemotherapy. Gabe listened to music frequently during treatment to help him deal with nausea, pain and anxiety; his favorite CD was David Gray’s “White Ladder.” After their experiences, Gabe and his family resolved to help young cancer patient’s deal with the long and painful treatment process through music.
‘Making music part of the cure’ allows children to feel emotionally empowered, in addition to decreasing treatment related anxiety, nausea, and pain while increasing motivation, confidence, and treatment cooperation. These effects positively influence the entire treatment and recovery process. Rock Against Cancer’s unique approach combines the expertise of Board Certified Music Therapists, Child Life specialists, community leaders, and families that have survived cancer. This approach, combined with especially positive hospital relations, allows Rock Against Cancer to efficiently implement and evaluate its programs. A positive cancer diagnosis and the resulting treatment processes are truly traumatic experiences. Rock Against Cancer’s programs humanize the treatment process for children and teens, making them feel cared about and more at ease..
Additionally, RAC advocates for young cancer patients, helping to garner public awareness and increase research funding; RAC actively lobbies elected officials and participates in Childhood Cancer Awareness Month activities throughout September. RAC’s ultimate goal is to support and encourage the youngest cancer survivors in addition to honoring the children who have been lost to cancer.