There are moments when you hear a concept and you think; “now that’s inspired.” Unfortunately, these concepts don’t always make it across your desk, allowing you to work on making the inspiration a reality. This time it did with an opportunity that is close to my heart. Years ago, I became all too aware that whether the battle with cancer is won or lost, the flood of inspiration that it brings is like no other. Like Lance raising his arms in victory for each of his jerseys or having a father who lost his battle now watching over you, hoping to see the man that he always dreamed you to be.
Longtime entertainment insurance executive, and (actually more defining, I’m assuming) leukemia survivor James Chippendale and his close friend two-time leukemia survivor Mike Peters of the Welsh rock band The Alarm have created the Love Hope Strength Foundation (www.lovehopestrength.com). Their mission is to “support cancer research and provide quality care for those who can’t afford or access treatment.” With both deeply engaged in the world of rock and roll, they’re staging incredible musical events to grow the foundation into something that will make a difference in all of our lives. The reality is, we will all be affected by cancer directly or directly enough to feel the crushing power of the disease.
James and Mike are banking on the ability to tune a guitar at 17,700 feet. It is here that the inaugural LHSF event will go live from Base Camp, Mt. Everest. Rocking the thin air, Everest Rocks, an acoustic show that culminates a 21-day trek through Nepal by 25 self-funded or corporate-sponsored trekkers, will travel by foot with eight musicians to make high-altitude history with a performance at Base Camp, which will be instantly downloadable on iTunes. It is great to see large and powerful companies getting involved and helping these guys make a difference–a difference that could make more people survivors, like themselves.
To announce Everest Rocks, with its universal message and such a positive philanthropic bent, takes an effort that is equally lofty to the trek to Base Camp. Enter Empire Rocks, NYC, 04.16.07 -- trekkers and musicians will meet with media, partners and sponsors to climb the 1,575 steps of the Empire State Building. Once they have “summitted,” they will rehydrate and perform a set from the observation deck. With origins in the music world, James and Mike understand promotion. The year-one goal is to create awareness for the foundation and raise funds through media partners, sponsors and the events. It is great to see the passionate corporate involvement evolve.
Surviving cancer does something to a person; we’ve all witnessed it, or should. Love Hope Strength has set its sights on the biggest and tallest, but unfortunately, neither of the objectives mirror the baddest and meanest cancer. Being bedside with a father fighting and losing to cancer, I can attest that, when under its grasp, an Everest-like helping of love, hope and strength may just be the thing. – Simon Essl
