DrumsforCures, Inc presents drumStrong

On May 16^th and 17^th many people will come together in Charlotte, NC to participate in the “planet’s" longest continuous rhythm "drum•a•thon" ever held. This is a unique multicultural, musical, charity event showcasing resources that support people with cancer and those who love them.”We support this noble cause for many reasons, one being in the memory of our son-in-law who succumbed to a very rare brain cancer in Dec 2007. We watched his 9 month battle and held our daughter as she struggled then and now to deal with the issues that this disease brought to her life.  My friend Dahna and I asked Scott Swimmer a few questions about the DrumStrong drum-a-thon. To really get the full scoop on the event or on how to host one yourself go to http:www.drumstrong.org.

Who do you think DrumStrong appeals to? What sets DrumStrong apart from other similar fund raising events? Why would someone choose to attend DrumStrong as opposed to something similar?
DrumsForCures is a true non-competitive, ALL volunteer charity organization promoting collaborative relationships amongst the entities working for cancer solutions.  Nobody I know (charity organizations) are #1, non-competitive, #2, showcasing ALL cancer health resources at their events. We want folks to get a sense of what's available to address cancer concerns. Medical institutions, private practices, integrative and complimentary entities and cancer societies. You will make the informed choice who you will use when needed and who you want to support. We also encourage people to raise funds by per hour drumming sponsorships or straight-out donations. At certain amounts raised, you may choose the local cancer initiative of your choice and through your donation to DrumsForCures, funds will be distributed to them in your name in honor of or in memory of (if inclined).

What have people said about the DrumStrong after attending? How has it affected them?
Here are two letters from participants. They say it all."Hi Scott! I just wanted to thank you so much for what you do.  I'm sure that you're probably still trying to catch up on more than just sleep.  I felt that I needed to write you and tell you, from someone in the fight, that what you have created is so special.  I have been so moved by Drumstrong; I hope to be able to implement drumming into part of my fight.....perhaps I bang my drum you gave me on those days after chemo when I don't think I can do it anymore....go on...keep fighting.  Those days do happen. You can plan on a Chemo Cabin Crew for next year.  I hope to be part of it.  I didn't want to say anything to you at the event because I didn't want to bum anyone out and I didn't want to consider it myself.  My doctor told me that they don't expect me to live much past next year.  I just smiled at him and told him that I would prove him wrong.  Once again, thank you! JJ (SHE"S COMING this year)" "Dear Mr. Swimmer, This is CD, Mason's friend, and I just wanted to tell you what a great time I had at drumSTRONG, but it wasn't just the fun and fellowship with others that made it special, because those things I can experience at any NODA drum circle, but it was the REASON that we were drumming, it was for a cause and for that fact a cause that hits home with me with the passing of my grandmother after her suffering from years of cancer survivorship, and her finally succumbing to pancreatic cancer after all of her fighting. Throughout the whole drumSTRONG event my mind kept drifting to thoughts of her but it was during those last few minutes that I really realized why I was standing there, I was meant to be there and I felt as if I was honoring her memory. I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to honor her and her life and her struggle. You did a great job with everything and I'll be drummingStrong with y'all until you decide not to do the event anymore, and even then I wont forget how I felt today. Thank You. Danke, CD" 

What can be learned by participating in DrumStrong?
We are proud to be a hub for disbursement of information on cancer health information and resources. Networking happens. One can dig deep into one's heart to discover compassion, strength, and the will to go on. Music truly engages all ages, wages and stages of health. Folks gather to rhythm (and drum for ridiculously long periods of time), focusing on individual and community health.  

What’s the most exciting or unexpected thing that’s happened because of or during DrmStrong?
People in ALL walks of life in ALL stages of health joining in collaborative efforts experiencing the power of drumming with intent! 

So this year you guys are going Global and hooking up with other drum circles all over the globe. Can you talk about this? How can a drum circle in another state or country jump on this network and participate? Cities across the planet are working with us. At drumSTRONG '09, we will conduct the first ever true Global Drum Circle to BEAT cancer! So far, Seattle, Vancouver, Montreal, Weddington (Charlotte), Atlanta, N. Florida, Dublin, London, Rome, Cairo, Johannesburg, Dubais, Sapporo, Tokyo, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will be drumming with us! Organize a drum circle in your village (3 to 3,000 people). Request a donation or per hour drumming sponsorship*, TUNE IN to our 27 hour drum•a•thon (1:00 pm EST, Saturday May 16th till 5:00 pm EST, Sunday May 17th) More information is on the website, drumStong.org. 

Once at drumStrong what can we expect?
Check out the website for videos, directions, registration, and all the information you need to participate in this amazing event?
           To Learn More About this Amazing Event Go To
                               drumStrong.org