An upcoming fundraiser in Somerville is redefining the healing power of music.
As artists and guests at Still Around 2024 sense the evening’s performances mending their hearts and minds, their attendance will collectively support another form of care: A proposed non-profit dedicated to assisting people who have been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Scheduled for this Saturday (May 18) at the Center for the Arts at the Armory, Still Around aims to raise money for an organization of the same name that can provide free, short-term care coordination services to locals navigating a recent brain tumor diagnosis. Artists scheduled to perform at the fundraiser include Squirrel Flower (pictured above), babybaby_Explores, Pile vocalist and guitarist Rick Maguire, Nova One, Haasan Barclay, Bong Wish, Pet Fox, and Mercet.
The event and proposed non-profit stem from Illegally Blind founder Jason Trefts, who was diagnosed with an incurable astrocytoma (a type of cancer occurring in the brain or spinal cord) at 24 years old.
“There is significant stigma around brain tumors and brain cancer,” reads Still Around’s GoFundMe statement. “Many in the community feel isolated and alone, as those without knowledge of the condition may consider a brain tumor diagnosis to be a death sentence. Although the diagnosis can lead to early mortality, there are also survivors that far outlive the initial timelines given to them by doctors, family and friends. Treatments for brain tumors often result in chronic disabilities that effect daily tasks, yet many people in the community have not been connected to the general disability services and supports that already are in place.”
Still Around plans to face this disconnect head-on with support from a knowledgeable staff. According to Still Around GoFundMe page, money from the fundraiser will be used to register Still Around as a non-profit in Massachusetts and pay two care coordinators for a year. These employees — who the campaign affirms will be brain tumor survivors themselves — can provide assistance with securing disability benefits, housing, and resources about medical conditions, among other forms of support. Providing survivors with employment is just as essential to Still Around’s mission, stating that “underemployment and significant economic hardship” are common issues in the brain tumor community.
“We believe that reaching people shortly after they receive a life-altering diagnosis and providing informed care coordination based on lived experience will help people set themselves up for success post-diagnosis,” the campaign explains.
Grab more details about the show and GoFundMe below.
STILL AROUND 2024 :: Saturday, May 18 at the Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. in Somerville, MA :: 7 p.m. doors, all ages, $20 :: Eventbrite :: GoFundMe