Westside High School performance will raise money for pancreatic cancer research at UNMC
The public is invited to “An Evening of Music for Pancreatic Cancer” at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Westside High School, 87th and Pacific streets in Omaha. The concert will feature Tim Halperin, one of the top 12 male finalists in the 2011 American Idol series, with proceeds going toward pancreatic cancer research at the Eppley Cancer Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Halperin is a Westside High School graduate whose career took off after his appearance on American Idol. He plans to premier his newest song, “Cross That Line,” at the event.
Halperin has a strong commitment to the battle against cancer. In 2011, he wrote his first song, “We Fight Back,” as a tribute to breast cancer survivors.He has performed the song at Race for the Cure events around the country including in Washington, D.C. and St. Louis. He has performed at halftime of NFL and college football games and inspired thousands with his lyrics of determination and hope.
Halperin’s new song, “Cross That Line,” speaks to the challenges of fighting cancer and a commitment to win the race.
In addition, international songwriter/singer, health advocate and sponsor of the event, Karen Sokolof Javitch, will introduce her newest song, “Shake it for NObesity.” She also will sing “It’s a Steve Jobs’ World,” the lead song on her CD, “The Tribute Album – Dedicated to Steve Jobs.” All income from CD sales that night will go toward pancreatic cancer research.
Throughout her career, Javitch has used her talents to raise more than $250,000 for charities. Her new song, “Shake it for NObesity,” is her response to Michelle Obama’s efforts to make American youth more active and to eat healthy foods.
Each year more than 44,000 Americans discover they have pancreatic cancer. More than 95 percent of those diagnosed die within a few years of diagnosis. There are no screening tools for pancreatic cancer, as the location of the pancreas hinders early diagnosis. Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, and actor Patrick Swayze are two high-profile individuals who died recently from pancreatic cancer.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at JMRProductions.com, by calling 402-393-3893 or at the door. Tapes of the show will be available at a later date to raise additional money for pancreatic cancer research. Donations can be made at www.jmrproductions.com.
The UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is one of 66 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the U.S. UNMC has one of the largest pancreatic cancer research programs in the country. In 2008, the National Cancer Institute awarded a $5.3 million, five-year Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in pancreatic cancer to the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, one of only two programs to receive this funding.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Learn more at www.unmc.edu.