Musical Sensation to Perform at Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation Event

Sept. 28, 2010 - PRLog -- IRVINE, CA -- The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) will introduce a special guest at the 27th Annual Bid for the Kids fundraising gala on October 23rd (http://www.pcrf-kids.org/bidforthekids).  Thirteen-year old musical sensation and leukemia survivor, Austin Gatus, will give a saxophone performance dedicated to other children diagnosed with cancer.  Austin is well recognized in the jazz community as an up and coming performer.  At his young age he has already accompanied many famous musicians, including contemporary sax great Mindy Abair at 2010 Gas Lamp Jazz Fest in San Diego, as well as legendary musicians Dave Koz and Kenny G.  Austin has had the honor to play the National Anthem at both a Padres baseball game and an NBA All Star game.  

It was clear from an early age that Austin had a musical gift.  When Austin began playing the saxophone in the 4th grade, his music teacher immediately invited him to join the junior high jazz band.  Later that month Austin was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was forced to take a break from regular practice while he underwent chemotherapy.  Austin didn’t feel well enough to play his sax for months at time.  After several years of difficult treatment, Austin recently celebrated his first full year cancer free.  

Following intensive treatment, Austin’s music teachers did not expect him to be as brilliant a sax player as he was prior to his illness, due to lost time and potential health-related issues.  Everyone was surprised that Austin was as good – if not better – than before.  It was as if he was playing musical notes in his head while he was in the hospital recovering.  Austin now plays his saxophone regularly and enjoys jamming with his middle school jazz band and other local bands such as Locked out of Eden and Spoken Remedy, which recently played at the House of Blues in San Diego.

Austin is fortunate to be in remission.  Not all of his friends from the hospital survived their cancers.  He shares his talent to benefit organizations like PCRF to fund research that will increase survival rates among those living with childhood cancer.  PCRF is honored to have Austin perform at the 27th Annual Bid for the Kids, a fundraising gala to support children’s cancer research.  The event will be held on October 23rd at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.   To attend the event or to make a donation, visit www.pcrf-kids.org or call 949-859-6312.

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About PCRF: The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) is a nonprofit, grass-roots organization established in 1982 with a mission to improve the quality of care, life and survival rate of children with malignant diseases. Since origination, PCRF has raised over $22 million for pediatric cancer research through private support of individuals, businesses and charity foundations.