Deseret News | Concert for cancer survivors

Concert for cancer survivors

By Edward Reichel
Deseret Morning News

Published: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 3:31 p.m. MDT

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Three area musicians will join forces Saturday and Sunday for a pair of concerts for cancer survivors — something organizers hope will become an annual event.

"We're calling this our 'inaugural' concert," said Amy Jackson. "I want it to get bigger every year and hopefully attract some big names in the future."

This weekend's concerts will benefit Salt Lake City's Cancer Wellness House. "I chose them because they embrace everyone, from survivors to family members," Jackson said. "They also deal with the emotional aspect of cancer."

The downtown Cancer Wellness House has offered free resources for adult and children cancer survivors, as well as for their friends and family members, since opening in September 1997. "We're happy that they're sponsoring the concerts."

Jackson is a former free-lance violinist who is now a lawyer. She still substitutes with the Utah Symphony, though, usually when the orchestra plays for Utah Opera productions. For the Cancer Wellness concerts, she'll be appearing with two old friends, pianist Jed Moss and cellist Ellen Bridger.

Both Bridger and Jackson have been personally touched by cancer.

Six years ago, Bridger was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and has been cancer-free since her treatment.

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When Jackson was diagnosed with breast cancer, she opted for a fairly new treatment, a procedure called brachytherapy, in which radiation is delivered internally, directly into the tumor. "It doesn't have a proven track record," Jackson said, "but I did a lot of research on it, and one of my doctors agreed it would be worth undergoing."

Jackson said that when she discovered she had cancer, she found a great deal of strength and support from Bridger. "I've known Ellen for 15 or 20 years. When I found out I had cancer earlier this year, I called her up and told her. She was very supportive and helped me through this period."

Moss became involved through his friendship with Jackson. "I've known Jed for 22 years," Jackson said. "He's never had cancer, so he's our token healthy guy."

Jackson said that even though she's known Moss for so long, they've never had the opportunity of performing together. "I've always wanted to, and now we're finally getting that chance." The two will be featured in the second half of the program in a set of violin and piano pieces.

"I've pulled out pieces that I've never played before," Jackson said. "While I was recovering from my treatment, I went through all my scores and picked out pieces that I like but have never played."

In the first half, besides solos by Moss and Jackson, the three will play Ravel's seldom heard Piano Trio.

Jackson hopes there will be a good turnout both evenings. "A lot of the people coming will be survivors, or people who have been touched by a relative or friend who's had cancer. I hope there will be a good attitude at the concert. Cancer is a life-altering situation. What I found out was, when you've had cancer, you appreciate life a lot more."

If you go. . .