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

I generally lean towards heavier music such as rock and metal but I’ve been known to listen to pop, rap and even classical music. My favorite bands are Korn and Mastodon. Other artists I have loved are Lana Del Rey, Charli xcx, 90s rock music such as Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The list would be endless if I named everyone I liked.

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

Before my cancer diagnosis music was just a means of escape or being able to relate to someone else going through the same things I have been through.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2023. I began to start chemo treatment later that year but got really sick from it. I already had an infection but it got worse in my hip so they had to remove the hip and now I walk with just crutches. In 2025 I was declared NED (No evidence of disease) but we are going to keep a close eye on it and monitor it.

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

I would say that it did. I found this program that enabled me to connect to music in a deeper way and changed the way I listen to music and eventually create my own music.

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

A patient advocate at my hospital gave me a list of organizations and Play It Back was on it. She suggested it after me mentioning how much I liked music. I’m just hoping to connect to other patients, survivors and advocates and help grow and represent the organization on a bigger scale. I really love and support this program.

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

I can’t really describe it. The genre, vibe and type of music I make is entirely different with each song. Whatever helps represent the lyrics in the best possible way is how I end up choosing the kind of music I make.

Anything else you want to share?

I love this program and I think anyone with even a general interest in music should read more on it and possibly join. We have lots of fun on Music Monday’s and we make our own music (even if you never made a song ever in your life). I hope this information helps you and no matter where you are at in your journey, just know you are not alone. There are many of us going through the same thing and we love to support each other.