3 Years Gone...

Three years ago today my dear Uncle Arie, (Z'L') passed away after his struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. He lived about a year and a half after the diagnosis and ensuing Whipple procedure. That's more than twice as long as most, and we were grateful for each day.

His legacy is huge. He supported many charities and had a policy that anyone who brings themself to ask for help should not be turned away empty handed. Perhaps they weren't completely satisfied, but they always got something for their trouble.

Arie taught me so much. My only Uncle, he taught me how to put on Tefilin as my Bar Mitzvah approached. As an adult, he taught me about business, especially not to waste and how to negotiate respectfully. He encouraged and supported me as I learned how to manage our family business. He once looked at a clock I had made, which demonstrated the stages of building a home. He told me that before I had that clock made there hadn't been such a thing in the world, and now there was. That simple support meant a lot.

This is why Pioneers For A Cure exists. A tribute to a wonderful person who appreciated his family very much. Before the Pioneers project, there might not have been a place for these old songs to raise money for cancer charities selected by each artist. There might not have been iPhone Apps to raise money for cancer charities. Now there are, pending Apple's approval.

Rest well Arie. We're still hard at work, as I sit now at the very desk he used so well for so long.

Mira's Art

Even in the early days of the Pioneers For A Cure project, the focus became clear that the "Pioneers" in question were really the artists contributing to the cause of raising funds for the cancer charities. Yes, we're recording public domain material from a 1929 Hebrew song book of "pioneer songs," but the focus has remained on the artists' contributions. So I want to highlight the important contribution to our cause being made by another artist who doesn't play a note. (Although she is heard chanting on Rashanim's track!)

Mira Sasson has been painting the portraits of almost every artist who has participated in Pioneers For A Cure. She's finished at least a dozen, it's kind of fun to lose count. We had briefly mentioned her here, http://cancersongs4cure.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-art-on-old-hooks.html, but will now give her her due. As we prepare our launch materials, it is plain to see that Mira's art plays a big role in how these artists have put their stamp on these songs to fight cancer.

Mira Sasson's paintings have captured the spirit of the artists. We are lucky to have these important graphical elements to illustrate the passion of our cause, before you ever hear a note. Neshama Carlebach shown.

Look for more art from Mira in this space, and hopefully in a new blog dedicated to her genuine artistic ability.

The Website is Up!

Please visit pioneersforacure.org to read our mission statement, join our e-mail list to receive updates, and see links to our blogs.