October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The annual campaign was initiated in 1985 by some of the top breast cancer charities. The initial and sustaining goals of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to raise understanding and funding for research. Furthermore, the aim is to seek the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Many are familiar with the Breast Cancer Awareness Month walking and running events to support the campaign, such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The music community also has some great organizations that are advocating awareness and support for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an individualized treatment that is used to benefit people with affected by breast cancer. Music Therapy has been proven in many cases to reduce symptoms, prevent the onset of a disease or injury, and to treat a wide variety of conditions. Practitioners of music therapy work in a wide variety of settings such as schools, hospice, hospitals, music stores, and private practice. When Music Therapy is utilized to support breast cancer patients, the results have included a reduction in anxiety and distress. Moreover, when used to support breast cancer patients, many studies have documented the significant decrease in psychological and physiological symptoms.
Notes4Hope
Notes4Hope is a “mission-based organization raising funds and providing education for breast cancer awareness.” They bring live music and people together to raise money in support of breast cancer prevention and treatment through healthy lifestyle choices. We hope you check out some of their events! Notes4hope.org
Beats to Beat Breast Cancer
It’s all about the heart (beat) here! Not only is Beats to Beat Breast Cancer raising awareness for the disease, but this non-profit also highlights the fact there is a disproportionately higher number of women of color than women with breast cancer. This organization wants you to “use your BEAT (your passion, your purpose) to celebrate life and make a difference.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“Young African American women under the age of 35 have breast cancer rates that are two times higher than Caucasian women of the same age.”
Songs of Inspiration, Perseverance, and Hope
West Music’s longtime partner, Alfred Music, curates a collection of songs called Songs of Inspiration, Perseverance, and Hope. Written for piano with a vocal line and guitar chords, this assortment is made available to help inspire those who face the challenge of breast cancer.
“As a breast cancer survivor and lifelong believer in the healing power of music, I know firsthand how a special song or a piece of music can have a profound impact on the mind, body, and soul. This book was created to help anyone facing difficulty in life, and a portion of the proceeds are donated by the publisher to support cancer research. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I’m proud to announce that West Music will match the publisher donations for each copy we sell during October. I hope you will consider sharing this book with women you may know who are in this brave fight.”
~ Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO
Songs of Inspiration, Perseverance, and Hope is a unique collection of contemporary, uplifting songs gives the pianist an opportunity to play and sing for those in need.
The advocacy for breast cancer awareness is strong throughout the overall music community. Notably, support is present through Music Therapy practitioners, vendors in the music products industry, and live music performances all around the country. West Music is greatly inspired by those who use the power of music to advocate for awareness and support.
