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Spartanburg physicians to take the stage
Close up of mans fingers playing electric guitar

Spartanburg physicians to take the stage

By Jessica Pickens on February 19, 2019

They don't have big hair, tour buses or groupies. But they do have medical degrees and a passion to help children fighting cancer.

Area physicians will show off their musical talents and put on an unforgettable rock concert to benefit the Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. Docs Who Rock will be held Saturday, March 9, 7 p.m., at Wofford College's all-new Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium.

Presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and hosted by the Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance, with the support of the Spartanburg County Medical Society, the one-of-a-kind rock concert will allow participants to get a rare glimpse at their doctor's talents beyond typical exam rooms and hospital corridors.

Proceeds will support Children's Cancer Partners' efforts to ensure Upstate children with cancer receive the lifesaving treatment they need.

“We are so excited to partner with Children's Cancer Partners to offer Docs Who Rock Spartanburg to the community,” said Peggy Pitts, president of the Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance (SCMSA). Our doctors are thrilled to have the opportunity to use their love of music to help save lives and support families right here in the Spartanburg area!”

The performers include:

  • Rock and Roll Reunion - featuring Dr. Octavia Amaechi on vocals - her first year -
  • The Oys - Dr. Steve Gordin - guitar -
  • Jam Side Up - Dr. Troy McKinney - guitar (his brother, Dr. James McKinney from Charleston will also join him)
  • Missing Monday - Dr. Melinda Moretz (vocals) and Dr. Joe Boscia (guitar and vocals)
  • Off the Wall - Dr. Michael Hood (keyboard, guitar) - Michael is a resident and this is his first year
  • The Cradle Rockers - Dr. Aaron Toler (guitar, vocals)
  • The Rent - Dr. Matt Lambert (guitar, vocals)

“The families served by Children's Cancer Partners struggle with heavy burdens,” said Aaron Toler, MD, with Medical Group of the Carolinas – Carolina Obstetrics and Gynecology, part of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. The OB/GYN, who plays the guitar, said performing relieves stress and is “great for the soul.” "Being able to share our passion for music and benefit such a great cause is exciting. It does our hearts good!”

The highly-skilled medical professionals will show off their musical talents, all coming together to raise awareness regarding the support many families battling childhood cancer desperately need.

All acts will have at least one physician who lives and practices in the Spartanburg area. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will include a Silent Auction of amazing jewelry and travel, home improvement and glamour packages.

“Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is playing such a big part in making this inaugural event for CCP a reality,” said Laura Allen, executive director of Children's Cancer Partners. “With their help, this concert promises to be an event to remember and most importantly, it will aid us tremendously in ensuring children with cancer can access the care that is critical to their survival.”

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, families are confronted with unbelievable hardships since pediatric oncology care is available only in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville. Many are overwhelmed by the costs of traveling great distances to their child's specialized care, sometimes requiring extended stays in New York, Houston or beyond. CCP assists Carolina children and their families by providing financial support for transportation, food and lodging associated with treatment. The nonprofit also offers families assistance with coordinating access to care, provides opportunities for families to connect through monthly events and hosts a yearly Camp Victory, a summer program uniquely designed for children with cancer and their families.

“Carolina families must repeatedly travel large distances to ensure their child receives critical cancer treatments,” Allen said. “For any family this can be a huge financial burden but for some families it is absolutely crushing. Thankfully, because of the financial backing secured through events like Docs Who Rock, our local families have somewhere to turn for help – Children's Cancer Partners. With compassionate and community-minded partners like SRHS and SCMSA we can raise awareness regarding the challenges faced by families on the childhood cancer journey and ensure they can find the support they need through CCP.”

Tickets are available at ChildrensCancerPartners.org.

In addition to Spartanburg Regional, other sponsors of the unique event include White Oak at North Grove/White Oak Estates, Denny's, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Orseck, Lindsay Lavine Webster, Smithworks Fine Jewelry, Wofford College, Budweiser of Spartanburg/RJ Rockers Brewing Company, Southeastern Printing, Panny and Skipper Brawley, Gurganus Insurance & Financial Services, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Orr, Tri State Medical Supplies, Bob's Carwash, The Johnson Group, BMW Plant Spartanburg, JM Smith Corporation, BMW Performance Center, Merrill Lynch/Bank of America, Drs. Joseph and Susan Boscia and Bond Street Wines.

For sponsorship information please contact Children's Cancer Partners Director of Development Marisa Cecil at [email protected] or 864-582-0673.