Sponsored by
New Music Project Promotes Quality-of-Life After Cancer
Compilation features award-winning piano solos from surgeon and survivor
100% of sales to support cancer programming
NEW YORK, NY - July 20, 2006 - 'What's next?' is a question that enters the minds of many cancer survivors. After treatment, as life begins to reorder itself and adjust into what policy makers now consider a chronic condition, survivors need to stay informed and become empowered self-advocates making daily conscientious choices to ensure quality-of-life. This national movement, commonly referred to as cancer survivorship, is gaining increased momentum every year.
Steps for Living (SFL), a nonprofit advocacy group spawned by this recent social change, has released 'Both Sides of the Coin', an 18-track benefit CD for cancer survivors and their loved ones. The album is raising public awareness about the realities of cancer survivorship, specifically, the relationship that doctor and patient share before and after treatment. This first-ever compilation features songs composed from two perspectives by accomplished recording artists Dr. Adam Dachman and Matthew Zachary, a cancer surgeon and survivor, respectively. The album can be ordered online at www.StepsForLiving.org.
"This campaign makes a powerful artistic statement," says Dr. Adam Dachman, SFL chairman, board-certified osteopathic surgical oncologist and Chief of Surgery at Upland Hills Medical Center near Madison, Wisconsin. "Cancer as a chronic condition is changing the public's perception of the disease. Oncology professionals must recognize that enduring relationships with their patients are now part of the equation when it comes to quality care."
This link is critical because the notion of 'remission' cannot be correlated with a 'cure.' Survivors face numerous physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial issues at diagnosis, during treatment, and for the remaining years of their lives.
"Remission is not a cure," says SFL founder Matthew Zachary-a 10-year survivor of pediatric brain cancer. "There are consequences for 'surviving' cancer long after the doctor says, 'You're cured. Go home.'. Survivorship is an art on both sides of the coin. Advocating this message through the metaphor of music is what SFL and the [Both Sides] campaign is all about."
SFL produced the [Both Sides] CD with 100% of the proceeds from all album sales directly benefiting the foundation and it's survivorship programming.
About Steps For Living
Steps For Living is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clearinghouse of cancer information and human resources that uses music and the performing arts to raise public awareness about the realities of life after cancer. Our mission is to offer cancer survivors and their loved ones a creative voice by providing alternative ways of coping through artistic outlets. We promote creative media as a tool for healing through self-expression, connection to other survivors and unity at any stage of illness. Through our efforts, we shift public focus, corporate interest and consumer awareness to the issues of cancer survivorship.
For additional information, visit www.StepsForLiving.org.