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Music can change the world – Beethoven

Susan B Schabacker has been moved by Beethoven’s work her entire life, and this quote was always particularly inspiring. Susan knew music had the power to change the world because it had already changed hers. Music shaped her childhood and drove her future, allowing her to bring joy and peace to people around the world. Recently, however, this quote changed meaning to Susan. When people she loved were affected by cancer, Susan decided to use her gift to support lifesaving cancer research. 

Combining Passion and Purpose

“I always had a passion for music that seemed to flow naturally through my veins and be essential as a drumbeat is to a song, like a heartbeat,” Susan began. “As a child, I took Suzuki violin and piano and was always performing in recitals. I remember dancing tirelessly for an adoring audience of family and friends, including my stuffed animals and dolls, in my living room. This sparked my interest in classical ballet, which I pursued with professional training. That began at Boston Ballet School and eventually prompted our move from New Mexico to North Carolina to attend University of North Carolina School of the Arts.”

After years of embracing her love of ballet, Susan became increasingly curious about other creative pursuits. She followed her curiosity and pursued modeling and acting before stumbling upon her true passion – songwriting. 

“The organic, creative process of songwriting allowed me to express who I am and what I’ve been through,” Susan shared. “To me, as a heartful humanitarian, and realizing our greatest needs are in the heartbeat of humanity, I am intent on giving music my all because I love it. In addition to that passion, I am also committed to merging meaningful messages and mission with magical music.”

Using Art to Heal

To merge magic and meaning, Susan used her gift to connect cultures and create community through the world of music. She saw that music was uniting and healing and knew the world needed more of it. 

“I know several people who have had cancer, and they have impacted my life and my musical mission,” Susan expressed. “They have taught me that instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what’s wrong with our lives, we can improve our lives by holding onto hope, as we do all we can to survive and thrive.”

The message of hope and humanity clung to Susan’s mind as she searched for a reputable organization with which to partner. Having loved ones who have battled various forms of cancer, she needed to find an organization that looked at cancer as a whole rather than focusing on one specific type. She also wanted to ensure that any funds contributed were used directly for cancer research. 

A Platform for Change

“After researching many organizations online, I came across National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR),” Susan explained. “I developed a positive rapport with Executive Director Brian Wachtel, who shared more in-depth information and insights about the mission, vision, goals, accomplishment, and projections of this noble organization. I was excited about the support and their open-mindedness to creative opportunities of supporting the NFCR.”

Like Susan, NFCR believes that music can change the world and embraces this belief through Arts4TheCure. Arts4TheCure is the official fine arts and performing arts fundraising platform of NFCR. It encourages artists like Susan to combine their talents with a cause near their hearts by supporting game-changing cancer research. 

“I’m excited to share that we plan to release my 8th album in February 2022, just in time for National Cancer Awareness month,” Susan said. “It will be dedicated to those who’ve struggled and suffered from cancer and will support NFCR.”

One of the songs Susan wrote to support NFCR is titled Go On (Forever), which is inspired by and dedicated to her close friend Tammy. This song embodies her belief that people are influenced and impacted by one another, and the simple act of support can profoundly impact the lives of others.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in supporting NFCR in its lifesaving mission and want to learn more about Arts4TheCure, Play4TheCure, the Youth Ambassador Program, or fundraising, please contact info@nfcr.org.

Additional Reads You May Enjoy:

Talented Teens: How Tina Zhang and her teammates use art to change the world

Playing Tunes, Fighting Tumors

Youth Ambassador Raised $5,025 for Cancer Research Through Indian Classical Singing Concert

Stay connected with the cancer community! Receive NFCR’s monthly e-newsletter and blogs featuring stories of inspiration, support resources, cancer prevention tips, and more. Sign up here.

Go On (Forever) – © Susan B. B. Schabacker

Pain has lost its hurtful sting

                                   And even death has been overcome

                                   I know I will live on forever

                                   Your love endures and has no end

Your pure love has made me whole again

                                   Thanks to you I will survive and thrive

                                   No enemy will ever destroy me

                                   Nothing and no one and no cancer will drag me down

                                   And I will dance and sing with joy that fills my heart

                                   I will claim this peace that fills my mind

                                   You lift my heavy downtrodden head eyes spirit and heart

                                   It is you I’ve need to find

                                   This light shines brightly inside of me

                                   It will never fade or burn out

                                   And the darkness will not overtake me

                                   You light my path and you help me see

                                   And I will dance and sing with joy that fills my heart

                                   I will claim this peace that fills my mind

                                   You lift my heavy downtrodden head eyes spirit and heart

                                   It is you I’ve need to find

                                   This light glows/burns brightly inside of me

                                   It will never fade or burn out

                                   And the darkness will not overtake me

                                   You light my path and help me see

                                   You are forever by my side 

                                   No I don’t ever have to hide

                                   In you I can always confide

                                   And your arms are open wide

                                   And I will dance and sing with joy that fills my heart

                                   I will claim this peace that fills my mind

                                   You lift my heavy downtrodden head eyes spirit and heart

                                   It is you I’ve need to find

                                   This light burns brightly inside of me

                                   It will never fade or burn out

                                   And the darkness will not overtake me

                                   You light my path and help me see

                                   Thanks to you I am made new 

                                   Made whole made strong