Companies Unite to Help Sock Out Cancer in Albany
Dr. Jennifer M. Pearce, a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at Albany’s Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, emphasized that in addition to being a huge emotional burden, cancer can create an incredibly significant financial burden, with the costs of transportation, meals, copays and lost wages adding to the overall stress to the family. “We know that the proceeds from this event will help ease the emotional and financial burdens that our families face every single day and give them one less thing to worry about so they can focus instead on seeing their children thrive and their families thrive.”
Dr. Kyle Denniston, Radiation Oncologist at St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Care Center, agreed. “Oftentimes this financial aspect and financial burden that’s placed on our cancer patients is one that has been ignored and one that’s overlooked. So events such as Sock Out Cancer really are crucial to providing the support and financial stability for patients when they are going through their treatments and their most difficult days.”
Bruce W. Boyea, Chairman, President and CEO of Security Mutual Life, praised Albany Med and St. Peter’s for the amazing work they do, and he thanked all the sponsors for coming together in support of the region’s cancer patients. “There’s a lot of heart in Sock Out Cancer,” he said. “This event simply could not happen without the support of the many generous sponsors who have stepped up to make this concert a reality, and we are very grateful for their support.”
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the sponsors and to the hospitals for undertaking to ensure that this gap can be filled,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “That extra help can really be the difference between a recovery that is moving forward, or a recovery that can be hindered by the stress and the strain of those worries that nobody should have to be thinking about when they’re battling cancer. This is a really exciting way to raise money for the need, and in addition, Albany is going to get a great treat and, I’m sure, a phenomenal performance.”
The stunning centerpiece of the concert will be the Earth Harp—an instrument invented and created by William Close. The Earth Harp’s giant strings will stretch above the audience from the stage to the balcony, transforming Albany’s Palace Theatre into an instrument and allowing the audience to experience the music literally from within the instrument. According to an article published in The New York Times, “It’s like sitting inside a giant cello.”
In addition to purchasing tickets for the May 8 concert, people can also help support Sock Out Cancer by purchasing the bright, multicolored socks symbolizing the fight against cancer in all its forms. The socks can be purchased at St. Peter’s Hospital, Capital Bank branches, Taft Furniture in Albany, and online at sockoutcancer.org. Socks will also be available for sale in the Albany Med cafeteria on April 18-19. Together with the concert net proceeds, the net proceeds from all Albany sock sales will benefit the cancer patients being treated by Albany Med and St. Peter’s Hospital.
Concert tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster as well as at the Palace Theatre’s box office.
For more information, visit: sockoutcancer.org
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