LOS ANGELES, Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — On Saturday, October 5 beginning at 6:30 PM at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall in Los Angeles, Art of the Brain, an unprecedented organization of "Brain Buddies," brain cancer patients and families who celebrate art and life undefeated by brain cancer, will enjoy its 14th anniversary Gala. Hundreds of friends will enjoy the festivities, food, music, and a world premiere performance by renowned percussionist Cory Hills. The piece, called The Rhythm of Life, will recreate the MRI experience for brain cancer patients through sound.
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Art of the Brain (AOB) was founded by Judi Kaufman, a successful entrepreneur, community activist and poet after she was diagnosed with her first brain cancer tumor in 1997. Based on Kaufman's vision, AOB centers on creativity, in all its forms, as a vehicle to help brain cancer patients survive and regain their self-esteem in the face of debilitating brain cancer side effects. Kaufman turned to poetry as her path back to hope in the wake of the damaging effects of brain cancer and its treatments. She is now a published author of several poetry books. Another area of success is a network of volunteer Brain Buddies, who help to support and mentor individuals and families struggling with brain cancer. Brain Buddies also comprise the small army of volunteers who make the annual AOB gala a success.
AOB raises public awareness about brain cancer, spotlights the strength and courage of brain cancer patients, and helps raise money for brain cancer research in order to find a cure. Since 1999, AOB has garnered over $6 million for brain cancer research.
"I am so proud that this evening will mark our 14th year of being able to honor brain cancer patients and their families who remain undefeated by brain cancer, brain cancer researchers, as well as the life-affirming ability of art," said Kaufman.
Percussionist, composer, and improviser Cory Hills created The Rhythm of Life piece for AOB to recreate both the MRI experience and the emotional process behind fighting brain cancer. "Influenced by the rhythmic sounds and patterns that dominate the sound world of an MRI machine, I've taken these sounds and combined them with other aspects of a fight against brain cancer," said Hills. The composer thrives on breaking down musical barriers through innovative and creative endeavors. An advocate of new music, Hills has commissioned and premiered dozens of new works for solo percussion. He is the creator of The Percussive Art of Storytelling, a percussion outreach program that brings classical music to underserved communities.
Jason Barry, award-winning reporter from CBS 5 in Phoenix, AZ will reprise his annual role as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
For more information visit www.artofthebrain.org.
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