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News & Events:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RAC Music Therapist, Beth Collier, Wins Award in Atlanta
Rock Against Cancer is very proud to announce that “School of Rock” music therapist Beth Collier was awarded the 2010 Healthcare HEROES Allied Health Professional Award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Collier is BC-MT at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta where she works with young cancer patients at two hospitals.
Beth has been a tireless advocate for the use of music therapy for young cancer patients. She has created an outstanding program that eases the pain, nausea and anxiety associated with disease treatment. Beth continues to bring the sound of music to children at Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders in Atlanta.
RAC is proud to have provided the funding that put Beth to work in 1998 to help young cancer patients. We are very proud of her excellent work that led to the prestigious Healthcare HEROES Allied Health Professional Award.
Above: Beth Collier (left) and Cori Snyder of Children's Healthcare are honored for their development of a music therapy program for children battling cancer with RAC.
REMEMBRANCE PAGE
Please visit our Remembrance page as we honor and remember those children who touched our lives through their battle with cancer.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Joey's Footprints 2nd Annual "Evening For An Angel"; July 16, 2010; Mentor, OH
Visit Joey's Footprints website here for more information on this event. RAC Public Relations & Marketing Director, Ashley Voss, will be volunteering for this event and giving out information about RAC.
PAST EVENTS
CureSearch 10th Annual "Reach The Day" Event; June 21-22, 2010; Washington, DC
Please visit the RAC blog for more information about the CureSearch 10th Annual "Reach The Day" Event from our intern, Tucker's perspective.
Below: RAC Intern, Tucker Petty, with Congressman Walter B. Jones.
Above left: RAC Intern, Tucker Petty, with Congresswoman Sue Myrick.
Above right: Tucker receiving her Survivor's Medal from Gregory D. Reaman, M.D. He is the Chair of the Children's Oncology Group (COG), the research arm of CureSearch.
Ryan Kilgore Visits Egelston Children's Hospital in Atlanta; June 4, 2010; Atlanta, GA
Ryan Kilgore, a fourth generation saxophonist from Atlanta shared his music and good energy with children with cancer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Egelston Children’s Hospital when he paid a special visit on June 4th. Ryan recently wrapped production on Tyler Perry’s “The Marriage Counselor”. Ryan continues his pursuit of excellence as the saxophonist for Stevie Wonder on his International 2010 Tour. Visit www.smoothsaxuality.com for more information on Ryan’s music.
Ryan and his wife Brandi visited with Jessie battling lymphoma and a saxophone player himself. The also autographed posters and CD’s for Chris who is being treated for a rare blood disorder. Ryan was in Atlanta to perform a special saxophone medley of Stevie Wonder songs at Leo Lucier's Going Home Celebration on June 5th.
Click here to see a video compilation of one of the young cancer patients Ryan visited in Atlanta.
A Capella Jam; March 19, 2010; Chapel Hill, NC
Wedding Dress Display Fundraiser; February 7, 2010; Chapel Hill, NC
On February 7, 2010 from 1-5 pm, there was a Wedding Dress Display at the University Baptist Church on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, NC. This display had a charming collection of dresses and wedding memorabilia such as photographs and invitations from several generations of church members. All proceeds were donated to Rock Against Cancer.
"Something Old, Something New" Article, The Herald-Sun
"High School Student Hosts Wedding Dress Display" Article, 1360 WCHL
Hofbräuhaus Fundrasier; December 17, 2009; Newport, KY
Thank you everyone who attended this fundraiser benefitting Rock Against Cancer at the Hofbräuhaus in Newport, KY on December 17, 2009.
Together we raised over $1,400. Ten guests won Beer Steins, lunch gift certificates and other Hofbräuhaus items.
Congratulations to Bryson & Amanda Warner for winning the raffle prize of a 7-day trip to St. Maarten Island!!
A very special thank you to Mark Minton of Huntington Bank, Troy Harden from the Hofbräuhaus Newport and Greg, Kim & Trevor Voss for all your hard work!
Paramore Meets Teens in Atlanta; October 27, 2009; Atlanta, GA
Paramore welcomed Atlanta area teens battling cancer for a meet and greet before their concert on October 27th in Atlanta. Rock Against Cancer Board member Jean Murphy who hosted this ‘Stars Night Out’ commented about the band :
“I am totally a huge fan of Hayley's now....She was absolutely awesome with the kids and onstage! Zac giving Chris (cancer patient with a band that does Paramore cover songs) his drum sticks was incredible. Chris is on cloud 9!!!!”
1st Annual Strike Out Childhood Cancer Night; August 8, 2009; Durham, NC
No Doubt Rocks Two Star's Night Out Concerts in Two Days; July 10-11, 2009; Indianapolis, IN & Chicago, IL
No Doubt's 2009 summer tour has proved to be one of their best ever and Rock Against Cancer was lucky enough to hold two Star's Night Out concerts with the band on July 10, 2009 in Indianapolis, IN and on July 11, 2009 in Chicago, IL. Teens from Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis were treated to a meet & greet with No Doubt, autographs, photographs and special concert seating at the Verizon Wireless Music Center. The next night, teens from Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago had the same experience at the First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre. No Doubt was gracious enough to also sign a CD & poster for Rock Against Cancer to use in the silent auction during the 1st Annual Strike Out Childhood Cancer Night on August 8, 2009.
Below: Teens battling cancer meet with No Doubt in Indianapolis and Chicago.
Beyonce Hosts Triangle Area Teens Backstage; June 27, 2009; Greensboro, NC
Teens being treated at Duke Children's Hospital and NC Children's Hospital enjoyed a wonderful night with Beyonce at th e Greensboro Coliseum on June 27, 2009. The ten patients, along with friends and family members enjoyed special concert seating during the show and then met Beyonce backstage after the concert for personal photographs and spent quality time getting to know the performer.
Pictured above: Beyonce with Shaquille, a young cancer patient; Shaquille getting a big hug from one of his favorite artists.
Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder gives cancer patient a gift from his heart; Atlanta, GA; June 25, 2009
Billy "Bubba" Walden was very excited to see Eddie Vedder in concert, unfortunately his disease had other plans which forced him to stay in the hospital on the night of the concert in Atlanta. When Eddie Vedder heard one of his biggest fans was unable to attend his concert, the Pearl Jam lead singer autographed a poster and t-shirt for Bubba. What would have been a Star's Night Out for Bubba was turned into a Gift's from the Heart gift basket by the gracious artist. The Gift's from the Heart program was started by Rock Against Cancer for situations where young cancer patients are too sick to leave the hospital to meet their favorite artist's in person.
Below: Billy "Bubba" Walden shows off his Eddie Vedder autographed poster along with Rock Against Cancer volunteer, Aimee Singleton.
A "Wonder"ful Night for Leo; Atlanta, GA; June 24, 2009
Click here to see the 11alive.com TV piece on Leo and his night with Stevie Wonder
An 18 year old cancer patient named Leo had the time of his life last night, June 24, 2009. Not only did he get to meet one of his absolute favorite artists, Stevie Wonder but he was also invited to sit on stage with the musical legend during the concert in Atlanta. Leo has been battling Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and highly agressive form of cancer, for years. Leo's constant upbeat and positive attitude came across perfectly in an interview with 11Alive.com reporter, Jaye Watson. Leo was asked if he ever wondered why he was striken with cancer and his reply was "No, do you think Stevie Wonder ever sits around and wonders why me? Why I am blind? I do not believe he does". After the concert, Stevie gave Leo a very valuable souvenir, the harmonica played at the very concert which Leo will never forget.
Below (from left): A backup dancer, Leo, Stevie Wonder & Stevie's daughter (Aisha Morris) on stage during the concert.
Below: Stevie Wonder singing in concert with Leo looking on.
Above Photos by: Robb D. Cohen (www.robbsphotos.com)
CureSearch "Reach The Day" Event; Washington, D.C.; June 22-23, 2009
On June 22 & 23, Rock Against Cancer founder, Lisa White, Ph.D, along with Public Relations & Marketing Director, Ashley Voss and Intern, Jordan Thorndyke attended the CureSearch "Reach The Day" Event in Washington, D.C. This advocacy event takes place every year in hope of securing more funding for childhood cancer research to one day reach the day where a cure will be found. A rally was held on the morning of June 23 with speakers including: Former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, Congressman Joe Sestak and Congressman Chris Van Hollen, who are all staunch advocates for increased childhood cancer funding. The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act was passed uniamiously in the House and Senate and signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2008. This Act was named after Deborah Pryce's daughter, Caroline who passed away from childhood cancer. Lisa, Ashley & Jordan lobbied the North Carolina Senators & Congressman for full funding of the Act, $150 million over 5 years or $30 million a year.
Below (from left): Ashley Voss, Former Congresswoman Deborah Pryce and Lisa White, Ph.D
Coldplay Rocks 1st Star's Night Out Concert in 2009; Atlanta, GA; May 17, 2009
On Gabe Titus' 15th birthday, he got to do something most kids only dream about. He spent the night, along with six other children/teens battling cancer, their friends, family and his mother, Lisa White at a Coldplay concert in Atlanta. Not only is Gabe the son of the Rock Against Cancer founder, he is also a childhood cancer survivor, which made this concert all the more special to him and his family. The group got to meet the band backstage, get autographs, take pictures and share stories with Coldplay members, Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion and Guy Berryman. They enjoyed the concert from the 2nd row of Lakewood Ampitheatre and were able to spend the night forgetting about hosptials, treatments and cancer altogether. Rock Against Cancer is planning many more Star's Night Out concerts in 2009 with many of today's top artists such as Beyonce and No Doubt to bring the healing power of music to children battling cancer
Below left: Birthday boy and childhood cancer survivor, Gabe Titus, has a Manchester United jersey signed by Coldplay band members.
Below right: Group picture Coldplay with everyone invited to attend the meet & greet on 5/17.
RAC Founder Presents Check to Duke Children's Hospital 'School of Rock' Program; Durham, NC; April 27, 2009
Rock Against Cancer is continuing its mission to make music part of the cure for children battling cancer. The Duke Children’s Hospital “School of Rock” program received a second round of funding on April 28, 2009 at 11:00am.
Rock Against Cancer founder, Dr. Lisa White, presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to continue music therapy for children and teens hospitalized during cancer treatment. There was a live demonstration of an individual music therapy session. The “School of Rock” provides a Board Certified Music Therapist to work with young cancer patients including song writing and recording. Studies show music helps young cancer patient’s deal with the anxiety, nausea and pain that accompany chemotherapy.
Rock Against Cancer began the “School of Rock” program in 2005 with a grant from the Hot Topic Foundation. Since then, eleven programs have been created in top Children’s Oncology Hospitals across the country. In August 2007, this “School of Rock” program opened at Duke Children’s Hospital and Board Certified Music Therapist, Tray Batson was hired part time.
Below: Music Therapist, Tray Batson, works with young cancer patients at Duke Children's Hospital during a Music Therapy demonstration.
Levine Children's Hosptial 'School of Rock' Program Receives Additional Funding; Charlotte, NC; April, 26, 2009
Rock Against Cancer is continuing its mission to make music part of the cure for children battling cancer. The Levine Children’s Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center “School of Rock” program received a second round of funding on April 27, 2009. Rock Against Cancer founder, Dr. Lisa White, presented a check in the amount of $20,000 to continue the music therapy for children and teens hospitalized during cancer treatment. In addition a live demonstration of a group music therapy session took place. The “School of Rock” provides a Board Certified Music Therapist to work with young cancer patients including song writing and recording. Studies show music helps young cancer patient’s deal with the anxiety, nausea and pain that accompany chemotherapy.
In January 2007, this School of Rock program opened at Levine Children’s Hospital and Board Certified Music Therapist, Treva Collins was hired part time.
“We are thrilled with the positive impact Treva has had on children with cancer being treated at Levine Children’s Hospital. Children write and perform songs with Treva and feel safe in expressing their emotions about being young and having to battle cancer. We are extremely proud of the eleven School of Rock programs operating around the country”. –Dr. Lisa White, Founder, Rock Against Cancer
Below Left: A young cancer patient and her mother play with instruments donated by Rock Against Cancer to the 'School of Rock' program at Levine.
Below Right: Music Therapist, Treva Collins, works with a young cancer patient during a Music Therapy demonstration at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC.
RAC Takes Part In Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day; Raleigh, NC; February 14, 2009
Gabe Titus hosted a Rock Against Cancer awareness booth at a Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day at Leesville High School in Raleigh, NC on February 14, 2009. Fellow childhood leukemia survivor, Andrew Tibbetts, organized the event as an Eagle Scout project to collect toys and toiletry items for "Be Prepared Bags" given to North Carolina Children's Hospital childhood cancer patients.
Below Left: The Durham Bulls mascot, Wool E. Bull, visited the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day and met with Gabe Titus to discuss the 1st Annual Strike Out Childhood Cancer Night on August 8, 2009 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Below Right: Gabe Titus shows off the Rock Against Cancer booth he created.
RAC Founder Lobby's in D.C. For Increased Childhood Cancer Funding; Washington, D.C.; February 2, 2009
Rock Against Cancer Founder, Dr. Lisa White, took part in the CureSearch "Reach The Day" Event on February 2, 2009. She visited Washington, D.C. to lobby North Carolina Congressmen and Senators to secure full funding for the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act which was passed into law in the summer of 2008. Dr. White is CureSearch North Carolina Team Leader.
RAC Beneficiary of 02 Fitness Member Night; Chapel Hill, NC; January 22, 2009
Thanks to Jason Peters and Shawn Huber for encouraging the members of 02 Fitness, Chapel Hill to come out and support Rock Against Cancer at the
Member Appreciation Night at the Krunkleton Bar on Franklin Street January 22nd. Kudos' to Shawn for donating a basketball signed by UNC Coach Roy Williams and to the Krunkleton for donating wine for our raffle. The night was fun for all of the 02 members and a great way to gain local support for Rock Against Cancer.
Below: Gayle Silver, Personal Trainer at 02 Fitness and Rock Against Cancer Volunteer, greets members and sells raffle tickets.
"School of Rock" Benefit Concert; Sweetwater Brewery, Atlanta, GA,; August 3, 2008
Sunday was a great day to drink good beer, fight cancer and rock out with Collective Efforts, Dubconscious and STS9, at SweetWater Brewery. Proceeds went to the Rock Against Cancer “School of Rock” program, providing a full-time music therapist, digital recording studio and musical instruments to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals. For more information, visit www.rockagainstcanceratl.org
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THANK YOU STS9
Rock Against Cancer is excited to announce a very generous donation, over $17,000 From STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9), one of America's top touring electronic acts. Through STS9’s 4 night, SOLD OUT run at The Tabernacle, Atlanta's premier venue, STS9 raised money for ROCK AGAINST CANCER.
A raffle was also held during the event, for a one-of-a-kind signed 20 x 30 framed photo, of the STS9 at the New Year's Eve Show, by Live Concert Photographer Eric Rejman.
STS9 is currently selling two incredible prints from long-time STS9 photographer extraordinaire Eric Rejman taken at STS9's New Year's Eve concert at The Tabernacle. They are now available for purchase exclusively through the STS9 Store at www.sts9.com. Each of these limited edition, 12"x18" signed prints captures the band only the way Eric can. They can be purchased separately or as a discounted pair. Best of all, 10% of each order goes directly to Rock Against Cancer! Grab yours TODAY!
STS9 ROCKS! the band bigheartedly donates to various charities throughout the year raising over $150,000 during just past few tours.
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