Some good news from the music community this week as fans mark the first anniversary of the passing of the legendary Ronnie James Dio.
The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund, which was founded in memory of the late singer who died in 2010, has raised over $450,000 for cancer research.
Later this year, the fund will team up with auction house Christie's for a guitar and bass auction in New York City, with all proceeds going to the fund. Almost 100 instruments have already been donated, including guitars from many superstars such as
Eddie Van Halen,
Slash,
Aerosmith,
Tony Iommi,
Sting,
Metallica,
Slayer and
Geddy Lee of
Rush.
Created by Ronnie's wife/manager Wendy, the Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational programs. The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness.
The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life-threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services. Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer.
In March, Wendy Dio updated fans on some of the good work the fund is doing and the causes they are helping to support, thanks to your donations.
"We just donated $100,000 to the T.J, Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia research and have pledged $100,000 for the next 3 years!!!!", said Wendy. "We have also donated $117,000 to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Facility for Gastric Cancer, this is where Ronnie received most of his Chemo research. We have pledged $117,000 for the next 3 years. We donated $10,000 to the [Y&T bassist] Phil Kennemore Foundation and unfortunately he passed away on January 7th from Lung Cancer."
You can help by donating to the "Stand Up And Shout" Cancer Fund through a link on Dio's website here.
Thanks for the report to Hennemusic.com.
Hopefully more money comes in to help the cause
Love ya Ronnie!
RIP