My Nonprofit Reviews

My personal experience with Music For A Cure is a direct one. I helped start the charity when many years ago I met a kid by the name of Ryan Bates, who had terminal cancer. He was a fan of our band, Sugar Ray, and we became friends after learning about his condition. Far from him being down-and-out when we met him, I remember a kid who was always smiling and full of energy. And when we put a guitar in his hands, he just lit up. I'd always understood the power of music, but I'd never seen it so perfectly defined in one single moment. That compelled us (my wife Julie, Gretchen & Rodney Sheppard, Mark McGrath and Stan Fraizer and countless others) to start a charity to help bring that power of music to kids who are suffering in hospitals. We started at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and met some amazing people who helped us grow. We have recently worked with Children's Hospital Orange County, which makes sense because of all of the band's and board members Orange County roots. My personal experience through all the benefits and concerts and fundraisers has been extensive, and I appreciate all the kind and great people we have met and worked with through the years. It has always been about trying to help kids who have been dealt a tougher hand than most of us.

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