A group of young cancer patients and hospital staff from the United Kingdom formed a band, Y.O.U. 62 to help raise awareness and funding for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Their music helped patients feel better, and it also allowed them to give back to their community with the release of their first charity single, “Blue Sky Day.”
The group met during music therapy sessions at Christie Hospital’s Youth Oncology Unit in Manchester, UK, which lends its initials to the band’s name. The number 62 is the sum of the dates the band members were diagnosed with cancer.
The seven members each found inspiration and joy through the musical project. For example, bass guitarist Gemma Long battled a brain tumor that affected her left hand. Her involvement in the band helped her regain strength and control, which gave her the inspiration she needed to battle cancer.
Although the young musicians come from different backgrounds and have very different musical tastes, the project thus far has been quite a success. Band members credit Y.O.U 62 with helping them rebuild their strength, keep their mind off their illness, lift their spirits, and connect them with other young people battling cancer.
After the band’s live performances garnered them an invitation to a recording studio, Y.O.U. 62 recorded their charity single, “Blue Sky Day.” Proceeds from the single will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, which funds the Youth Oncology Unit.
While scoring a recording contract, reaching the radio waves, and climbing the charts are what most bands dream of; this group only hopes to raise as much money as possible for the Teenage Cancer Trust to raise awareness about teenage cancer.
If you would like to support Y.O.U. 62 and the Teenage Cancer Trust, “Blue Sky Day” is available for download on Amazon and iTunes.
For more information about resources for pediatric cancer patients, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, an affiliate of Children’s Oncology Group and The US Oncology Network, at (702) 952-3350.
