New York -The Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHS), a Denver-based international charity dedicated to fighting cancer through the power of music, rocked the East Coast with two fundraising pilgrimages and concerts in Clark, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. The events brought together thousand of cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to making a difference in cancer care both locally and around the globe.
Hundreds banded together with the mission to fight cancer at New Jersey’s Rock On! Walkathon and 5K Rock N’ Run on September 12th at the Union County MusicFest at Oak Ridge Park. The weekend concert, which featured performances by dozens of musicians including Pete Yorn, Third Eye Blind, Fastball, They Might Be Giants and Tommy James & The Shondells, used all proceeds generated to support global cancer care through LHS and The Valerie Fund, a Union County based charity that provides local families with top quality care for youngsters with cancer and blood disorders.
The Union County festivities came just days after Mike Peters of The Alarm joined forced with musicians Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, Cy Curnin of The Fixx, Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, and Welsch folk artist Nick Harper for a symbolic pilgrimage and music performance on the Philadelphia Art Museum stairs made famous by Sly Stallone in Rocky. Dubbed “Rocky’s Run”, the musicians joined supporters in a parade of prayer flags containing the names of over 5,000 cancer survivors, patients and those who have lost their battle with the disease. The free concert was highlighted by an impromptu performance of “Eye of the Tiger.” The event was sponsored by Hahnemann University Hospital and RW Baird. Mike Peters then quickly dashed to New Jersey to lead a chorus of cancer survivors on a musical bus ride back to the Field House in Philadelphia for “Philly Rocks” a major concert benefit that featured collaborative musical performances by all the musicians at Rocky’s Run.
“Philly Rocks” is the last major “Rocks” event before the Love Hope Strength Foundation team departs to the top of Kilimanjaro in Africa on September 27. The event raised money for cancer centers in Africa and a portion of the proceeds will be used to continue the historic bone marrow donor registration drive that LHS and DKMS Americas have undertaken in 2009 in concert venues around the country.
“Every pilgrimage and concert brings us one step closer to fulfilling the Love Hope Strength Foundation’s mission to provide support for cancer centers throughout the world,” said LHS co-founder and cancer survivor, James Chippendale. “Bringing together musicians from around the world for these special events allow us to create a fun and inspirational atmosphere while raising awareness for an important cause.”
About the Love Hope Strength Foundation
With headquarters in Denver and chapters in Texas, the United Kingdom, Peru, and Australia, LHS brings critical funding, material support and awareness to cancer initiatives worldwide. LHS has traveled the globe to Mt. Everest, the Empire State Building, Mt. Snowdon, and Machu Picchu, Peru, using the universal language of music to purchase life saving equipment, spread awareness, promote early detection, and register people to the international bone marrow database. Co-founded by cancer survivors James Chippendale, CEO of CSI Entertainment Insurance, and Mike Peters, front man of The Alarm; and with the support from legends in rock n’ roll and passionate volunteers from around the globe, LHS is making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
Join the Love Hope Strength Army to receive advanced event details and pre-enrollment opportunities: http://www.lovehopestrength.org/site/join-the-army/
For more information on LHS and how you can get involved, visit: www.lovehopestrength.org <http://www.lovehopestrength.org>
