What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?

I love Modern Christian Music and Southern Gospel! I love Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen, and Forrest Frank to name a few.

What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?

Before cancer, I spent a lot of time listening to music and wrote a few songs. My dad is a composer by trade and music was always around. I had a chance to sing in some commercials and other things growing up too.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed with stage 3c testicular cancer in February 2011. I’ve been in remission since October 2011. I’ve had a lot of health issues as a result of my cancer, but I’m the healthiest I’ve been since! My Lord and savior Jesus Christ is what has and continues to get me through the hardships I’ve endured and continue to endure.

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?

Absolutely! Different genres have gotten me through different seasons of life since cancer. Much of which inspired me in creating music.

What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I applied for a job at Teen Cancer America and at my second “interview” they offered different resources to help me. They had just started the program and I became one of the early artists.

I have received a great deal from Play It Back. Creating music healed me in a number of ways. I fell in love with the process. I wrote a bunch of songs in the program. I’ve worked with a lot of other artists and wound up producing and releasing some of the music I created with Play It Back and by myself.

I volunteered for Play It Back for 3 years and I have now worked with Teen Cancer America and the program for 4 years. Full circle!

I met the love of my life in Play It Back. That is by far the greatest gift I got out of the program.

If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it?

I’ve made a lot of music. My first song was “So Alone”. It was about my cancer experience and call to God to save my life.

Anything else you want to share?


If you are a young person experiencing cancer, I want you to know that you are not alone. There’s a community here and it’s for you. You just have to jump in!