NEPEAN SINGER ORGANIZES CANCER FUNDRAISER

January 19, 2007 PAGE 1, cont’d on PAGE 3
Jennifer Young

Music enthusiasts will be given the opportunity to hear up-and-coming musical talent while helping raise money for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.  Nepean singer/songwriter Ana Miura is organizing a “Babes for Breasts” benefit.

            The concerts will raise money for the development of a new support group available at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre.  The group will be similar to the weekly “Well Women” group.  “It will offer support for women to regain their lives after regaining their health,” said Miura, a St. Pius X High School graduate. 

            Michele Holiwell, a social worker at the Ottawa Regional Cancer centre, said one of the main differences between the new group and the existing one is that this group will meet at various times during the year instead of on a weekly basis. 

            The group will also be on a larger scale.  There will be sessions given by experts discussing such topics as nutrition, spirituality and complementary treatments.

            “Women will leave with a trick up their sleeves about how to get through it,” said Holwell. 

            Melanie Yasinski, director of major and legacy/endowment gifts for the Ottawa regional cancer Foundation estimates that it will take about $5,000  to get the program off the ground, mostly because of the logistical costs of bringing in experts and renting space for the group. 

            This the second time Miura has been involved in this event.  She organized one four hears ago.  She decided to organize a second event after having a friend hose her mother to cancer. 

            “I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” said Miura  She also wanted to help create a closer sisterhood among the local music community.

            Once Miura decided to organize the event, she went to the cancer foundation and asked what it felt would most help its patients and was told about the group.  “We knew we wanted it to be a supportive gift,” said Yasinski. She said it is very difficult to pull together the amount of money needed to start a support group like this one. 

            Yasinski was amazing by Miura’s dedication fo the cause.  “We think it’s incredible that someone of Ana’s age group would have the time and energy to pull something like this together,” said Yasinski.

            All of the revenue from ticket sales will go directly towards developing this group.  “I’ve been very fortunate to get enough money that I don’t need money from the ticket sales,” said Miura.

            She hopes that the community can take two things away from the concerts.  “I hope that they take away a better awareness of the needs of the community,” said Miura.  She also wants them “to gain a better understanding of the wonderful music being made in Ottawa and in Canada.”

            Miura will be joined in concert by Amanda Rheaume, NLX: Natasha Alexandra and Rhonda Stakich.  Amy Campbell will be filling in at the concerts when the other artists are unable to perform. 

            Miura chose all of these women because they have shared the stage before.  “They were my natural choices,” said Miura.

            She is hoping to raise about $4,000 from the concerts.  Tickets for the Ottawa concert cost $15 and can be purchased on Miura’s website at http://www.anamiura.com/tour.htm.

            The concerts will be held between Jan. 26 and Jan. 30, starting in Pembroke and then Ottawa, Perth, Brockville and Toronto.  The Ottawa concert will be held on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. at Rasputin’s folk Café.