We have an exciting update from Matthew to share, but first, some background...
Back in 2007, we hosted a fundraiser here in Boston at the
Paradise Lounge. We invited our talented friends Ethan, Jake and Dan of Pesky J. Nixon to perform, and asked if they knew of anyone else who would be willing to be part of the show. Enter Andrea Coller, a singer/songwriter from western Massachusetts. Simply put, she rocked the house. Her energy, the honesty in her music and her ridiculous talent made the evening even more special. Her death in 2008 after her third battle with cancer left a huge void for everyone who knew her. It also impacted millions of people who didn't know her, but who knew her story; just days after she passed away, her winning essay was published in Glamour magazine, sharing with the world what it was like to deal with cancer as a young adult -- and to be pissed about it.
It took us all of about thirty seconds to decide that we needed to do something to honor her memory and ensure that her spirit would live on. Together with Andrea's friends and family, we established the Andrea Coller Memorial Award, and raised funds that would be awarded to a young adult survivor who embodied those same qualities that everyone loved about Andrea.
In his application, Matthew wrote about the important role music had played in his life, both before his diagnosis and during his treatment. He described the physical toll cancer took on his body and mind, and how he couldn't imagine how he would come out on the other side, let alone play the piano or sing again. After finishing treatments, he was blindsided by medical and other bills, and found himself struggling more than he could have anticipated. He wrote:
"My primary goal the past year or so has been to get out of financial debt. Because of this, music has taken a back seat to saving money and working hard. But there's always a part of me that knows how important music is, and how I crave the experience of writing songs, making a record, and performing live. I realize I need to focus more energy on my music again, and need to find a way to make a record. I've been in contact with recording studios and musicians, but it's financially out-of-reach for me while I focus on paying off my debt."
Andrea's family was involved in the decision-making process, and easily chose Matthew as the first recipient of this award; as a singer-songwriter from western Massachusetts, he not only had a lot in common with Andrea, but he had had an opportunity to meet and perform with her on several occasions. They felt strongly that his ability to pursue this life-goal -- and to create music that reflected his experience as a young adult with cancer -- would ensure that Andrea's spirit would live on.
We were incredibly excited to hear from Matthew last week that Apheresis is finished! We ordered our copy this morning and are listening to it right at this moment... and it is spectacular. Please click on the image at the bottom of the page to find out more about it, hear clips, read lyrics -- and then order a copy if you can.
To Andrea's family and friends, this CD is a tribute to her memory and a reminder that her music lives on. To everyone here at The SAMFund, it's also a powerful testament to what young adult survivors are capable of, with a little financial support. And to the rest of the world, it's an opportunity to listen to some great music and support a local artist, keeping Andrea's memory alive as you do it.
To Andrea's family and friends, this CD is a tribute to her memory and a reminder that her music lives on. To everyone here at The SAMFund, it's also a powerful testament to what young adult survivors are capable of, with a little financial support. And to the rest of the world, it's an opportunity to listen to some great music and support a local artist, keeping Andrea's memory alive as you do it.
