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Letter from the FounderI love music. Rhythm touches everybody :: we breathe :: we blink :: we’ve all got a heartbeat .... DrumsForCures was created as a natural expression of our family's desire to be a vibrant part of beating cancer. Since rhythm is universal we decided that an event centered around the art and fun of hands on drumming would be a great way to bring people together. Our mission is to provide a venue for health entities and cancer societies to show our community the resources at hand to assist in directing and easing cancer concerns. Aiding local and national organizations to support those dealing with cancer, promote early detection and to work towards cures is a cause that is close to my heart. At fifteen, our son, Mason, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (a rare bone cancer) and underwent many months of chemo and extensive surgeries on his leg. Five years later he has beaten it and is a junior in college. He is an intuitive, generous young man with a tremendously positive attitude. During the many phases of this ordeal Mason has met some very impressive people - young and old - many who have boldly walked away from their cancer experience and some who haven’t. All have inspired us. Lance Armstrong recognized Mason as one of “the next generation of generals in the war against cancer.”
My family is convinced that there have to be better methods to assist those affected by cancer including early detection/diagnosis, alternative or less brutal treatments, more personalized, problem-specific rehab practices, age-specific social support and early childhood education. We believe that research, education and support for survivors needs to be fortified through community and government efforts. Mason, Toby, Carola and I came home from the 2006 Lance Armstrong Foundation’s ‘Ride for the Roses’ event in Austin, TX full of inspiration and hope. We learned of superhuman, death defying efforts to raise awareness and funds to support cancer survivorship. I chose to direct my community efforts, talents and energies to do the same. Our concept is simple. DrumsForCures produces an annual cancer health resource event, drumSTRONG™, where we raise awareness, funds for cancer education and research, and support survivorship through rhythm. Music truly engages all ages, wages and stages of health... We’re not another walk, run, ride or golf tournament simply trying to raise $; We gather folks to rhythm (and drum for ridiculously long periods of time), focusing on individual and community health. We are a non-competitive, true non-profit (all volunteer) organization promoting cooperative and collaborative relationships amongst the entities working for cancer solutions. drumSTRONG is a multicultural, musical, charity event showcasing available regional and national resources that support people with cancer and those who love them.
People say that cancer is their most feared disease, and our funding priorities should reflect that. I know that the old adage, “if you ain’t got your health, you got nothin’” is all too true. It takes dedicated effort and will to make any change. We need great community and financial support to attack something this big. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss how you can participate. Your support can be focused towards the cancer initiative of your choice and/or allow us to fund important cancer health education programs. Join us in our quest to eradicate cancer by contributing to DrumsForCures as a sponsor and participant; you don’t have to have rhythm to come join the fun and bang a drum, just a heartbeat…! Most sincerely, Scott DrumsForCures,Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization #20-8297035 |
