Sing for the Cure

The Orange Park Chorale, participated in a special, first-of-its kind event entitled SING FOR THE CURE®:  A Proclamation of Hope.

Sing for the Cure is an original song cycle dedicated to those affected by breast cancer, specifically breast cancer survivors, their families and friends.  This work was commissioned by The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Dallas, Texas.  

The world premiere of this song cycle took place on June 11, 2000.  The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the Turtle Creek Chorale and The Women's Chorus of Dallas accompanied by the Dallas Symphony performed the work in Dallas.  

The Orange Park Chorale was the East Coast representative chorus.  Two other choirs, one from Iowa and one from California, were also chosen to join the premiere.  Dr. Maya Angelou narrated the Dallas performance with words and stories of those affected by breast cancer written by Librettist Pamela Martin.  Ten American composers created music to accompany these stories and bring them to life.  All proceeds from the event go to fight breast cancer in the Jacksonville community via the local affiliate branch of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to help eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

For additional information contact info@orangeparkchorale.com

THE PINK RIBBON

A handsome, middle-aged man walked quietly into the cafe and sat down.   Before he ordered, he couldn't help but notice a group of younger men at the table next to him.  It was obvious they were making fun of something about him, and it wasn't until he remembered he was wearing a small pink ribbon on the lapel of his suit that he became aware of what the joke was all about.  The man brushed off the reaction as ignorance, but the smirks began to get to him.  He looked one of the rude men square in the eye, placed his hand beneath the ribbon and asked, quizzically, "This?".  With that the men all began to laugh out loud.  The man he addressed said, as he fought back laughter, "Hey, sorry man, but we were just commenting on how pretty your little ribbon looks against your blue jacket!" The middle aged man calmly motioned for the joker to come over to his table, and invited him to sit down.

As uncomfortable as he was, the guy obliged, not really sure why.  In a soft voice, the middle aged man said, "I wear this ribbon to bring awareness about breast cancer.  I wear it in my mother's honor."  "Oh, sorry dude.  She died of breast cancer?"  "No, she didn't.  She's alive and well.  But her breasts nourished me as an infant, and were a soft resting lace for my head when I was scared or lonely as a little boy.  I'm very grateful for my mother's breasts, and her health."  "Umm," the stranger replied, "yeah."

"And I wear this ribbon to honor my wife," the middle aged man went on.  "And she's okay, too?", the other guy asked.  "Oh, yes. She's fine.  Her breasts have been a great source of loving pleasure for both of us, and with them she nurtured and nourished our beautiful daughter 23 years ago.  I am grateful for my wife's breasts, and for her health."  "Uh huh."

"And I guess you wear it to honor your daughter, also?"  "No. It's too late to honor my daughter by wearing it now.  My daughter died of breast cancer one month ago.  She thought she was too young to have breast cancer, so when she accidentally noticed a small lump, she ignored it.  She thought that since it wasn't painful, it must not be anything to worry about."  Shaken and ashamed, the now sober stranger said, "Oh, man, I'm so sorry, mister."  "So, in my daughter's memory, too, I proudly wear this little ribbon, which allows me the opportunity to enlighten others.  Now, go home and talk to your wife and your daughters, your mother and your friends.  And here . . ."  The middle-aged man reached in his pocket and handed the other man a little pink ribbon.

The guy looked at it, slowly raised his head and asked, "Can ya help me put it on?"

Do regular breast self-exams and have annual mammograms if you are a woman over the age of 40.  And for my dear men friends, please encourage those women you love to do the same.  

A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE. 

Revised: October 25, 2010