mission

Letter from the Founder

I love music. Rhythm touches everybody :: we breathe :: we blink :: we’ve all got a heartbeat ....

drumSTRONG™ 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. Three years later he has beaten it and pitches for his varsity high school baseball team. 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. Lance Armstrong recognized Mason as one of “the next generation of generals in the war against cancer.”

Mason is convinced that there have to be better methods to assist those afflicted with cancer including early detection/diagnosis, alternative or less brutal treatments, more personalized, problem-specific rehab practices, social support and early childhood education.

We believe that research, education and support for survivors needs to be fortified through community and government efforts.

My family came home from the 2006 Lance Armstrong Foundation’s ‘Ride for the Roses’ event in Austin, TX full of inspiration and hope. We saw, first hand, how efficiently the organization functions and how phenomenal the staff is. We also heard of superhuman, death defying efforts to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research. I chose to direct my community efforts and energies to do the same.

Who drumSTRONG™ benefits

drumSTRONG™ is an event that encourages people of all ages to focus attention on cancer awareness, education, support and funding for cancer concerns.

One-half of the funds raised will benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital - Hematology/Oncology Center at Carolinas Medical Center. The other half will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Americans 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 earliest convenience to discuss how you can involve yourself and/or your company.

Join us in our quest to eradicate cancer by contributing to drumSTRONG™ 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

Scott L. Swimmer
drumSTRONG™
DrumsForCures, Inc. Founder and President
725 Providence Rd. suite #210
Charlotte, NC 28207
scott@drumstrong.org

DrumsForCures,Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization

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