This year Music for a Cure, a night filled with performances from some of Nashville’s best songwriters, celebrated eight years. Founded by Corri Peck, the event began as a way to honor her “Papa,” Carl Patrick, Sr., after he lost his battle with cancer. “Dealing with the pain was difficult,” says Corri. “I created this event as a way to channel that hurt into something positive. I’m so grateful to the Nashville songwriting community for embracing this event.” The event has gone on to raise over $10,000 in support of PearlPoint’s mission to create a more confident cancer journey for adults anytime, anywhere. We are so grateful to Corri for her support of our organization. Learn more about Corri and Music for a Cure below.
PearlPoint: Tell me about who you started Music for a Cure in honor of and why.
Corri: I started Music for a Cure for my “papa,” Carl Patrick Sr. who passed away in late 2006 from prostate cancer. Papa was the type that worked outside in the yard, tending to his garden, all day long. He loved being outside with his flowers. He wore plaid shirts and ball caps. He was the hardest working man I have ever known. My grandparents were from a small town here in Tennessee and the community was rallying around my grandma doing everything they could to help. I eventually decided that I wanted to help by starting the concert. I wanted to make sure that his legacy lived on.
PearlPoint: Tell me about some of the songwriters you’ve met through these events? What motivates them to participate in the event?
Corri: It has been amazing to me the way that the songwriting community has taken this event under its wing. We have had so many remarkably talented artists/songwriters perform every year. Some of them include: Gloriana, Jamey Johnson, Angie Aparo, Pete Sallis, Tyler Hilton, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Scott Reeves, Dave Pahanish, Halfway to Hazard, Chris Nathan, Thom Shepherd, and many more. Some of their accolades include ACM Top Vocal Group of the year nominee in 2010, CMA Song of the Year winner in 2007,
They are all motivated to participate because they each have been touched by cancer in some way. Some of them are cancer survivors themselves, but most have watched a loved one go through it.
PearlPoint: What do you do when you are not planning this event?
Corri: When I am not planning the event, I am focusing on school. I am a senior Organizational Communications major at MTSU. I graduate in December. I am interning at an artist management company in Nashville this summer, and I also work part-time at Publix Supermarkets in Franklin, TN. Needless to say I like to stay busy!
PearlPoint: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life?
Corri: I am constantly learning life lessons. Recently, I’ve been reminded to never doubt myself. There’s a quote I’ve found by Karim Seddiki that I try to remember daily. It says, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” When you doubt yourself constantly, it can get in the way of being successful and can be extremely damaging.
PearlPoint: What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating, to PearlPoint?
Corri: PearlPoint is an ever-growing organization. They just recently went national in order to help more people facing cancer navigate the journey. The possibilities are endless for the amount of help that can be given to cancer survivors and caregivers. By donating to PearlPoint you’re helping them provide that help and support that people need.
