Causes - Turning Thirty, The Musical and Relay For Life

I am passionate about a number of causes, including cancer, education, and poverty. However, as a testicular cancer survivor, I've been particularly focused on what I can do about cancer. As a result, I have combined my love of music with my passion for the cause of cancer in the following ways:

Turning Thirty, The Musical

I had testicular cancer, and while I was going through treatments, I wrote songs and a full play about the experience. This was both a way for me to cope with it, as well as a way to share my experience with others and hopefully help them with their own experience. In 2008, I presented the debut performance of the show, and it continues to grow with enthusiastic audiences and additional shows. The show has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society and other charities.

"Seeing things differently is the guiding principle behind 'Turning Thirty,' which attempts to do for cancer what the Tony Award-winning musicals 'Next to Normal' and 'Rent' did for bipolar disorder and people living with HIV, respectively. Set it to music... Similarly, Willner's score packs emotional wallops along with punch lines." - Jill Vejnoska, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Relay for Life

Relay for Life is an overnight event that occurs in thousands of communities across the country and around the world where people come together to raise awareness and money for the fight against cancer. I have participated in these events for over a decade and have written or collaboratively written several songs such as "Celebrate," "What Would You Do," and "Every Candle Has A Name" for the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life, and Celebration on the Hill. These songs have been featured at Relays across the country - sometimes I perform them in person, sometimes there are prerecorded versions, and sometimes others have performed my songs.

I have a CD and MP3s available. I am also available to perform at your Relay for Life event or fundraiser. Click here to learn more.