Carnegie Hall Concert Featuring Groups From Top Universities to Benefit the Melanoma Research Foundation

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J.— Carnegie Hall, a historic venue that has featured some of the world’s greatest musicians, will be the site of the upcoming “A Cappella for a Cure,” featuring groups from three top universities – Harvard, Princeton and Yale.  The performance will include unique vocal pieces to benefit the cutting-edge research supported by the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States.

The concert will feature the Harvard Krokodiloes, the Princeton Tigertones and the Yale Whiffenpoofs.  These a cappella groups have been showcasing music from a variety of genres for decades, regularly tour around the country and internationally, and raise funds for worthy causes.

“These three talented groups aren’t just entertaining their audiences in a terrific venue.  They are playing a role in supporting research that will undoubtedly lead to breakthroughs in melanoma research,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF.  “It’s particularly meaningful for us to receive support for melanoma research from young people like the members of the Krokodiloes, the Tigertones and the Whiffenpoofs because melanoma is taking an increasingly heavy toll on youths.” 

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults aged 15- to 29-years-old.  Nearly 69,000 Americans were diagnosed in 2009 alone.  Very few treatment options are available for those with advanced melanoma. 

To address this need, the MRF recently launched the MRF Breakthrough Consortium designed to accelerate medical research by testing combination therapies.  Funds from this concert will help make this and other initiatives possible.

“A Cappella for a Cure” will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2010 in the Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Tickets for the event are available for $30, $60 and $120 through www.carnegiehall.org or by calling CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800.

# # #

About Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types.  In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans were diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour.  Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old. 

About Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States.  Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma.  The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.  The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers.  More information is available at www.melanoma.org.