By: Molly Flodder—
Muncie, IN—Last year, Survivor Voices cancer survivor choir, ages 50+, and Ball State University Singers, ages 25 and under came together for a joint concert. The focus was not so much on cancer, but on strength, hope, energy and fun! Of course, the cancer topic came up and survivors in the choir, students for whom cancer had affected their families and even Dr. Alan Alder, director of the BSU Singers, whose grandmother was a cancer survivor.
The two groups will come together again in a joint benefit concert on Wednesday evening, October 2, at 7:30 p.m. The concert at Sursa Performance Hall on the BSU campus will benefit Little Red Door Cancer Agency and Survivor Voices. Each choral group will perform several numbers, the University Singers presentations will be complete with choreography, and the groups will sing together.
Musical selections will feature on a variety of topics and tempos with songs ranging from “The Greatest Showman” to others focusing on the power of supporting others in need.
Photo provided.
Cancer affects almost everyone directly or indirectly. According to Becky Butts, coordinator of community education for the IU Health/Ball Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, “Approximately two in five Hoosiers now living will eventually have cancer.” For that reason both Survivor Voices and Little Red Door often share about the importance of screening and early detection.
Admission to the concert is free, although donations will be collected at the event. “We are grateful for the concert sponsorships made by 19 local businesses and individuals,” said Vicki Jeffers, co- artistic director of the choir. Platinum, gold and silver sponsors for the event include Jim and Mary Rosema, Jerry Henning, Morrison Woods Health Campus, Westminster Village, Dr. Michael and Laura Williamson and an anonymous donor.
Survivor Voices, created in 2013 by local oncologist Michael Williamson, D.O. and his wife Laura, is a group of cancer survivors who share messages of hope and inspiration through music. The Ball State University Singers, often called “The Goodwill Ambassadors of Indiana” have been entertaining audiences locally, nationally and throughout the world since 1964. The group is under the direction of Dr. Alan Alder.
Concert beneficiary, Little Red Door Cancer Agency, is committed to serving people with cancer across central Indiana. The agency works to reduce the physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer through a variety of free services; providing transportation to lifesaving cancer treatments, nutritional support and comprehensive navigation and education to help individuals during their cancer journey.
Survivor Voices, is comprised of singers who have or have had cancer or have been a primary caregiver to someone with cancer. The choir celebrates survivorship, strength and hope and offers inspiration to other survivors, their caregivers and families.
