Blackberry Smoke have partnered with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to raise money and awareness for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Throughout September, the Atlanta group will spearhead several fundraising initiatives, including auctions for four different autographed guitars. The band will also host several VIP Meet & Greets in addition to several other events that will be announced later this month. The band has created a special donation page where friends and fans can contribute to the cause and learn more about the organization here.
To kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the band recently spent a day at CHOA, visiting patients’ rooms, delivering gifts and performing for patients, family and staff. They also presented the hospital with a check for $50,000.
The cause is a personal one for the band. Drummer Brit Turner’s daughter Lana was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in December 2009 at age 3, with cancer in 97% of her bone marrow. After undergoing treatment at the Center, she is now a happy and healthy 11-year-old. Of his family’s time at CHOA, Brit says, “I’ve never experienced anything like it before or since, they’re just the most caring people you can imagine… you obviously don’t want to be in the hospital with your kid but don’t want to leave because the care is so good.”
