April 25, 2011, SAN ANTONIO – For patients battling cancer, music therapy can strike the right chord. Clear Channel Radio and City of Hope will hit all the high notes with the launch of “Play For Life™,” a national campaign to raise funds to support City of Hope’s lifesaving cancer research and music therapy programs. “Play For Life” features online auctions for one-of-a-kind experiences with top recording stars Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Matthew Morrison, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Linkin Park, Enrique Iglesias and others.

 

From now through June 30, listeners can visit the websites of 790 Clear Channel radio stations across the country as well as iHeartRadio.com, the website for Clear Channel Radio’s industry-leading digital radio service, to bid in the auctions. Proceeds will support cancer research at City of Hope and the institution’s music therapy program, which helps patients with cancer and other serious illnesses reduce pain and physical discomfort, develop coping skills, enhance relaxation and promote positive thinking.

City of Hope’s music therapists guide program participants through a wide range of auditory experiences, including singing, composing and playing musical instruments, to help enhance their well-being during treatment. The music therapy program is an integral part of City of Hope’s Department of Supportive Care Medicine, a national leader in integrated support services designed to facilitate patients’ journey toward recovery and wholeness. The department provides both clinical care and academic research into the patient treatment experience. Researchers conduct clinical trials and publish their findings to advance the level of supportive care provided to patients everywhere.

“The power that music holds to impact people emotionally, spiritually and physically never ceases to amaze me,” said Matthew Morrison, Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated performer and star of FOX hit Glee. “That’s why I’m so thrilled to partner with Clear Channel and City of Hope on “Play For Life” to support music therapy for cancer patients and their families.”

“Clear Channel Radio brings local communities together every day around a shared love of music. We are very excited to harness that passion and our listeners’ connection to their favorite local radio stations to support the work of our friends at City of Hope, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centers,” said Clay Hunnicutt, director of Community Engagement, Clear Channel Radio.

He added, “‘Play For Life’ will allow fans to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences with their favorite stars, while supporting a cause that touches all of us – improving the lives of cancer patients through the power of music.”

“As a national leader in cancer research and patient care, City of Hope is committed to healing the whole patient through emotional, spiritual and physical well-being, and music therapy plays a vital role in this process,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer and director, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope. “Clear Channel Radio is the ideal partner to help us raise awareness of City of Hope’s mission and work among its national audience of music fans.”

“Numerous studies have shown the positive impact of music therapy on patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. We are delighted to be the beneficiary of the ‘Play For Life’ campaign and to strengthen our music therapy program for the benefit of patients and their families,” said Matt Loscalzo, administrative director of the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center, City of Hope. Led by multidisciplinary teams of professionals and volunteers, the Biller Patient and Family Resource Center offers an integrated array of support services to patients, their families and caregivers, including complementary medicine, healing arts programs like music therapy and peer support groups.

Listeners who participate in “Play For Life” will be able to bid on the chance to meet one of their favorite artists at an upcoming performance. Participating artists include:

 

“Play For Life” follows other Clear Channel initiatives with City of Hope to support the fight against cancer.

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.

About Play For Life™

Delivered through a unique combination of broadcast media, digital engagement and live events, PLAY FOR LIFE™ is a groundbreaking marketing platform, designed to benefit City of Hope, together with other select non-profit organizations that use music and media to improve lives of young people most in need. In addition to fundraising auctions, backed by Clear Channel, Premiere Radio Networks and Universal Music Group, Play For Life™ is planning a series of promotional initiatives that include the ‘Inside Track’, a free daily guide to the best new music online. Published by BigTime Arts & Media, Inside Track will also include news of Play For Life™ events, in support of City of Hope and other pioneering non-profits, in one easy to read email or social media update. For further information visit www.playforlife.fm or contact Anne-Marie Carton at Rock Couture Productions Ltd. anne-marie@rockcouture.tv.

Contacts

City of Hope

Roya Alt, 800-888-5323

ralt@coh.org

or

Clear Channel

Jessica King, 212-549-0966

jessicaking@clearchannel.com