Mission Statement
Music For A Cure was founded on the belief that THERE IS LIFE IN MUSIC! . Our mission is a simple one: to unleash the healing power of music in order to uplift and heal children in the hospital. We accomplish our mission through the financial support of music therapy programs at children’s hospitals.
Our Story
Music For A Cure is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 by several members and close friends of the band Sugar Ray in remembrance of Ryan Michael Bates who, at the age of 16, lost his battle against cancer. Ryan’s illness limited his physical activities so he poured himself into music. One of Ryan’s favorite bands was Sugar Ray. When he became ill, Ryan’s mother wrote to Sugar Ray’s fan club in hopes to brighten his spirit. Julie Karges, wife of bass player Murphy Karges, responded by inviting Ryan into their home studio. Over the next several years, Ryan and the band developed a bond through their shared love of music.
After Ryan passed, his mother told the band members how Ryan would swell with excitement when he knew he would be jamming or hanging out with them. She was convinced that the music he shared with Murphy and the rest of the band carried him through the darkest days of his battle with cancer. Ryan’s life, and his story as told through his mother, inspired Murphy and Julie. It was in that moment that they realized that there were thousands of children just like Ryan who could benefit from the power of music. Music For A Cure was started in order to spread that inspiration and to unleash the healing power of music in order to uplift critically ill children. In recent years, Music For A Cure has broadened its focus to include children who are faced with mental or emotional challenges. The charity currently funds music therapists at various childrens hospitals.
Who We Serve
Through the tremendous financial support of our donors and the unconditional support of some of the most recognized names in music who have opened not only their wallets, but their schedules and their hearts to interact directly with the children we service, Music For A Cure has profoundly impacted the lives of over 3,000 children and their families by funding music therapy programs at Children’s Hospital Orange County, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Miller’s Children’s Hospital Long Beach, and UCI Children’s Hospital. If you represent a children’s hospital in need of a music therapist, or music therapy program, please contact us by filling out this form.
Music for a Cure is a fully-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For tax purposes, Music For A Cure’s Tax ID No. is 75-3046338.
