October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and provide support for those affected by the disease. This dedicated month serves to educate individuals about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of regular screenings, like mammograms. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes, making it essential for everyone to recognize potential warning signs.

In 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer (via National Breast Cancer Foundation). Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.

How to detect breast cancer early
Regular screenings
A screening mammogram can be used to check for breast cancer in people who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. 

At-home self exam
A breast self-exam is an early detection tool that uses a combination of physical and visual examinations of the breasts to check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Know your family history
Family health history can help determine if you have a higher risk of developing a disease, such as cancer

Consult your doctor
If you detect something, or would like to know more about your risk of getting breast cancer, consult your doctor. 

Stay informed
It is important to stay informed of the latest risk factors, treatments, and more. 

Resources for Those Affected

1. American Cancer Society: Offers a wealth of information on breast cancer, including treatment options, support groups, and financial assistance.
2. The Musicians Cancer Fund @ Sweet Relief: This fund was developed to offer support and resources to musicians and music industry workers currently battling or recovering from all forms of cancer and other extremely debilitating illnesses and injuries.
3. Susan G. Komen Foundation: Provides educational resources, funding for research, and support services for patients and their families.
4. National Breast Cancer Foundation: NBCF’s mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
5. National Breast Cancer Coalition: Focuses on advocacy and education, providing resources for patients to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember the importance of regular check-ups and stay informed about advancements in treatment. By raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting education, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health and contribute to the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

Together, we can spread hope, support one another, and make a meaningful difference.

Now live! #SweetSupporters CAKE and Soundwaves Art have teamed up to make limited-edition artwork from two of the band's most popular, fan-favorite singles — 2001's "Short Skirt / Long Jacket" and 1996's double Platinum "The Distance." Get yours before they're gone!

All profits benefit Sweet Relief!

BREA, CA – Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is very pleased to announce that Aric Steinberg has been named Executive Director, effective immediately. He was formerly the Executive Vice President of Development and Artist Relations.
 
Founded by singer-songwriter Victoria Williams in 1994, the 501-C3 nonprofit charity provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems.
 
“I have been honored to work with Aric for nearly 15 years now and it has been a joy to watch him grow into the leader and business partner he is today. When our previous Executive Director, Rob Max, passed away in 2017, Aric fluidly began to fill the role without even being asked. It is long overdue that in 2024 we are officially giving Aric the title of Executive Director at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, as he has been embodying that position for many years now. I look forward to an extraordinary future with Aric where Sweet Relief will continue to help more & more musicians and music industry workers in need.” ~ Bill Bennett, President Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
 
“I’m heading into year 15 with Sweet Relief and I can’t imagine doing anything else.  It's a privilege to serve the music community, and to continue on as Executive Director is truly an honor.  I’m grateful to all the staff at Sweet Relief, the board, and especially our President, Bill Bennet, for his guidance, mentorship and friendship.  I see a bright future for Sweet Relief as we continue to grow and help more musicians and music industry professionals every year. This 30th anniversary year has been our best ever, and I look forward to serving the community in the years to come." ~ Aric Steinberg
 
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides services and financial assistance for all types of career musicians and music industry professionals. Grant recipients include recording artists, club and session musicians, composers & songwriters from across the country, road crew, agents, managers and many others. Sweet Relief grants are earmarked for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT EVER KIPP / TINY HUMAN – 206-466-6796 / [email protected]

LIVE 9/27 @ 4:00p PST—Pour a glass of NEW juicy Butter Pinot Noir, and tune in for #JaMHappyHour benefiting Sweet Relief Musician’s Fund—featuring Alec Chambers! Hosted by iHeartRadio’s Jana Sutter—tune in on Facebook and YouTube, @JaMCellars, for an hour of sips, cheers, doin’ good—JaM Cellars donating $1, up to $3,000, for every like, comment, and share made during the show!  
 
After raising over $75,000 in the last three years, JaM Cellars has committed a minimum $30,000 through 2024 and YOU can help! We’re donating $1 for every click, like and share made during JaMHappyHour benefiting Sweet Relief, up to $2,500 per show. We have hosted amazing artists including Mondo Cozmo, Emily Kinney, Robert DeLong and Lisa Loeb. Every month, we’ll be sipping delish wines and JaMming for a good cause with an extra special guest artist. Check out JaMCellars.com/Music for upcoming shows and join us for cheers & applause! 

​Bid on a test pressing of Silver Patron Saints, the upcoming benefit album for Jesse Malin, releasing on September 20th. This album features contributions from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Billie Joe Armstrong, Lucinda Williams, and many others.

Jesse Malin, who describes the album as a journey of transcendence, positivity, and global unity through music, is grateful for the support.

Listen to the first single, “Prisoners of Paradise,” by Bleachers, and view the visualizer video. The triple-vinyl set is available for pre-order on Glassnote Records.

Malin, who suffered a rare spinal stroke in May 2023, is undergoing physical therapy and stem-cell treatments. He remains hopeful and appreciative of his fans' support. As David Fricke notes, Silver Patron Saints celebrates Malin’s resilience and his ongoing story.

She Don’t Love Me Now with Bruce Springsteen and Black Haired Girl with Billie Joe Armstrong are also out now.
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This auction will benefit the Jesse Malin Fund Sweet Relief.

Save the date! Come join us for a night benefitting Lou Koller, of Sick Of It All, on November 23rd at Irving Plaza! 

The lineup includes: Vision of Disorder, Life of Agony, Municipal Waste, Killing Time, and Crown of Thornz! 

Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY (9/13)! Proceeds benefit the Lou Koller Fund at Sweet Relief.

Colorado Music Hall of Fame will provide this funding, while case management support and referrals to a music industry-focused mental health provider network will be provided to awardees by partners Backline and Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.
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Eligible applicants are:

• Colorado residents;
• musicians, music industry professionals and/or gig workers who have worked in the Colorado music industry for at least five years;
• 21 years of age or older;
• uninsured or under-insured; and
• having difficulty paying for mental health and/or addiction counseling.