If you have been to a Plano or Denton Race for the Cure, the Celebration of Hope, or the 3-Day in the recent years, you may have noticed a group wearing matching shirts with the Komen Logo, and “Voices of Hope.” This is the Susan G. Komen North Texas survivor choir.
I joined the Voices of Hope in the summer of 2013, right after my husband had been diagnosed with malignant brain cancer. I was looking for a flexible social gathering, of like-minded people, to help distract me for an hour or so a week. I found a group of women who have all been through a similar journey to mine. They were able to joke and laugh about some of the things that only another survivor can appreciate. They accepted me as if I had been a member from the start.
It quickly became apparent that this group has a mission to help raise awareness about the Susan G. Komen mission in our area through song. In addition to performing at Komen North Texas events, we travel throughout North Texas, performing at high school, college, and semi-professional sporting events. We have also performed at:
- The filming of a music video
- Multiple Worship In Pink services
- A book signing
- Women’s health events
- The annual CBS 11 Christmas musical special
- A local nursing home / memory unit.
This year we will also sing at the Battle of the Badges, Heritage Ranch fundraiser, and the Plano Tree Lighting ceremony. We are happy to sing anywhere and everywhere we get invited!
Each January the choir sits decides which songs we want to learn and sing. We choose (in addition to classics like holiday carols, “God Bless America,” and the National Anthem) songs that provide a message of support for those going through treatment and fellow survivors, in honor of co-survivors, and to honor those who have lost the fight.
The choir is more than a social group. This group of ladies is there to support one another as we walk through life – through the big things and the little things. Cards are regularly sent to members who have had surgery or an illness. The choir provided a basket of snacks, water and magazines when my husband was in the hospital (I was a big hit with the nursing staff). They also requested to sing at my husband’s memorial service.
If you enjoy singing and are looking for an amazing group to join, please consider coming for a practice or two! Once you come, you will be hooked! Practices are Monday from 7:00-8:00 PM in the chapel of Custer Rd. United Methodist Church (6601 Custer Rd., Plano, TX 75023). I hope to see you there!
