Tuesday, May 10, 2016
For many young cancer patients and their families, just knowing there is life after cancer with educational opportunities and a bright future provides the inspiration they need to get through difficult days.
Beaumont‘s Charles Main, M.D., pediatric oncologist, was so passionate about helping many of his former patients pursue college educations, he started a scholarship program 24 years ago.
Today, the program would not be possible without funding from “Stars Guitars.”
Autographed guitars from famous pop, rock and country musicians will be going on the auction block Saturday, June 4 to support the Charles A. Main, M.D., Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Children’s.
The benefit event, Stars Guitars, will take place at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. The doors open at 6 p.m. The event features an auction, strolling dinner and a performance by Credence Clearwater Revisited.
Some of the biggest names in the music industry have autographed guitars for the auction, including: Glenn Frey and the Eagles, Santana, Jeff Beck, Meghan Trainor, The Band Perry and Eddie Van Halen. For a complete list of guitars, including photos, visit Stars Guitars.
Along with guitars, other auction items include: restaurant packages, jewelry, sports memorabilia and home goods. Online bidding is now open. Bids will be accepted before and during the event.
Tickets for this casual, family-friendly event are $95 for general admission and $150 for patron admission. Both tickets include the auction, strolling dinner and concert.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two programs - the Charles A. Main, M.D., Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund and the Pediatric Oncology Long-Term Follow-up Clinic at Beaumont Children’s.
The Charles A. Main, M.D. Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund was created in honor of Beaumont’s retired chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dr. Charles Main. The fund’s purpose is to assist young cancer survivors to pursue advanced education. It is currently providing college scholarships to 40 former patients.
“I wanted to encourage my young patients to overcome their health issues and strive to reach their full potential as they battle through the darkness of a devastating disease like cancer,” said Dr. Main. “Seeing these fantastic kids, who have been through so much, have this opportunity to shine is rewarding.”
Since the inception of the program in 1992, 170 students have been awarded more than $1 million in scholarship money.
Seeing these fantastic kids, who have been through so much, have this opportunity to shine is rewarding.
Dr. Main
The Charles A. Main, M.D., Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund was expanded five years ago to include medical grants to address and care for the long-term effects of the very treatments that saved the lives of these children. Common long-term side effects of cancer treatment include cardiac and respiratory issues, vision and hearing problems, delayed growth and development and learning disabilities, all of which need follow-up care. Medical grants to Beaumont’s Pediatric Oncology Long-Term Follow-up Clinic are provided for those young people who have survived cancer but do not qualify for medical insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Currently, 75 patients are receiving medical grants for care in the clinic.
Currently one in every 1,000 18-year-olds is a cancer survivor.