Teen Cancer America national ambassadors The Band Perry.
Daltrey also welcomed the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as the newest hospital to partner with Teen Cancer America (TCA). Daltrey noted the special emotional and social needs of teens with cancer, and how they sometimes fall through the cracks at hospitals. “They’re too old to be children and too young to be adults,” he said.
Three young cancer patients and former patients were part of the program. One boy explained what he wanted when he was undergoing treatment: a mini fridge, a place to play Legos and a DVR. That’s not too much to ask.
Daltrey shared a recent experience where he visited a hospital and was surprised to find that three teen boys were being treated there but hadn’t met each other. “They just want a room where they can do the things that teenagers do… have a bit of fun and talk to each other,” said the rock star. “The best therapy is to talk to each other.”
Kimberly Perry said, “We’ve noticed that teens and young adults still struggle with the same fears and anxieties (as younger children), that’s why we were so excited that TCA has a specific focus on catering to their needs. That’s programs, that’s environments, that’s mini fridges. And we are so excited to be in discussion with Vanderbilt to bring a wing here as our hometown community. This is near and dear to The Band Perry’s heart because so many of our fans at the shows night after night are teens and young adults… We’ve been looking for a long time for a non-profit to be involved with.”
Also on hand were TCA chair Rebecca Rothstein, and CEO Simon Davies; as well as Dr. Scott Borinstein, Vanderbilt Asst. Professor/director, Sarcoma Program.
Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend have been patrons of Teenage Cancer Trust in the UK, the forerunner to TCA, for over 20 years. Based on its success in bringing the issues facing teens and young adults with cancer to the forefront, they expanded their efforts by founding Teen Cancer America in 2012. Vanderbilt is the eleventh hospital to join TCA; the organization is in talks with dozens of others to create more specialized facilities and programs to serve this age group.
Throughout The Who Hits 50! North America Tour, Teen Cancer America will be in attendance on each stop and will host fan fundraising events. The Who are donating $1.00 from every ticket sold to Teen Cancer America and fundraising through text donations (text WHO to 20222).
Photos: Bev Moser, Moments By Moser.
The Band Perry with Roger Daltrey and Reece, a former cancer patient.
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