The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation Blues Concert at the Rhythm Room Sings Success

The Liz Martocci Cancer Foundation Blues Concert at the Rhythm Room to raise money for the charity on Wednesday was a success with numerous Blues Bands lending their voices and talent to a heart felt cause. A huge list of bands played to assist cancer survivor Liz Martocci including: Blind Ronnie’s House of Blues, Bluzone, Uvon, Gary Jordan, Krismson Chord, The Flamekeepers and more.

“The raffle tickets and cookies alone were enough to collect hundreds of dollars,” said Foundation President Dan Hart. The Rhythm Room provided blues recording CDs and other prizes for raffle ticket winners. Home made chocolate chip, peanut butter and snicker doodle cookies were donated and available for sale at the event. “The generosity of the community and music lovers was a true help to the foundation,” Hart added.

Cancer Survivor Liz Martocci was on hand to witness the festive concert. “I was very pleased at the turn out. I had no idea that so many people would be so generous as to give their time and art to the cause. I am deeply appreciative of all the bands. They played so well. People sang and danced all night. It was a pleasure to watch,” Mrs. Martocci.

This was the first Fundraising Concert for the Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation. A minimum donation of $5 or more was collected at the door with the assistance of the Rhythm Room staff. Those requesting more information about the foundation can visit the foundation website at http://www.LizMartocciLungCancerFoundation.org or contact the foundation directly via email: lungcancerfoundation@gmail.com.


The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation began on July 9, 2008 with one purpose in mind to help those faced with this horrible disease, living without insurance, find and receive the medical treatment they so deserve. Often the middle class hard working are often the ones that can not get the help and support needed during such a tough time. The Liz Martocci Lung Cancer Foundation is here to help those faced with the challenges of the “system” while offering support, resources and compassion.

When Passion and Purpose Become One

As I begin to type this the blog the current time is 10:43pm. In my mind I know I should head off to bed as I have a full work day ahead and mom starts her chemo tomorrow. 1000’s of people all over the world will need my assistance tomorrow, yet I just wish I were there to hold my moms hand and give her a hug as her doctor injects a poison into her body with the faith in will make her cancer go into remission. As the tears roll down my cheeks I try to imagine what my mom must be feeling right now, I know she laid down in bed several hours ago, as she normally does, yet tonight she must be more scared that even the night she found out she has stage 4 lung cancer.

I know I will find a restful nights sleep knowing I have done everything I can today to ensure my mom knows how much she is loved and how much she means to me. Without her you would not be reading this. Not only did my mom bring me into this world, she had molded me into the man I am today. I am sure that alone will give her the strength to fight as hard as she can to beat this terrible cancer. She did not only mold and create me; she also molded and created my brother and sister. They are both strong and amazing people. Together the 3 of us have created something that has become more than we could have ever imagined. We created a foundation in our mothers name to help not only cancer patients, but the ones around them that love them so much.

I wonder what pops must be feeling. He took the 3 of us in as his own. My niece and nephews are the apple of his eyes, just as they are the apple of my mom’s eyes. I know mom will be there to watch them grow up and have children, her great grandchildren. I know she will give them even more wisdom than she gave us. After all mom was only 17, barely an adult when she gave birth to me. My mind has a hard time imagining what she has to offer her grandchildren.

I sit her at my dinning room table as I have for over a month, every night. Tonight to my left is a list of the drugs they are going to inject my mom’s body with tomorrow. The side effects of these drugs are wild. How do you deal with the fact you may have “closing of the throat’?

I sit here wondering what my mom will look and feel like the next time I see her. I live in Phoenix and she lives in San Diego. I know less than two weeks ago I barely recognized her as they wheeled her back to her hospital room after a procedure. A procedure that the Dr told her, in front of me and pops, would “not be bad”. Mom was in so much pain I had to do a double take, because I did not recognize her as they wheeled her 10 feet past me.

Mom (at least via the phone) has an amazing outlook, yet I know deep inside she must be as scared as I am. On the other hand I know mom has a created an amazingly strong person in me thus she must be just as strong, after all she created 3 of us.

I am going to close this blog with one thing. Mom I love you more than you can imagine and my brother sister and I are going to do everything we know, or may need to learn to ensure you beat this cancer, and that you will live a happy fulfilled life on your terms. Simply knowing you can raise kids that can do so much so many has to give you faith in yourself.

I love you always, your a fighter, kick this in the @ss

Danny