Music is healing for Bonny Diver, and that’s what inspired an upcoming evening of performances by female singers to support other cancer survivors and raise money for Hair Peace Charities, which she founded.
The organization helps women and girls in Western Pennsylvania with financial help to buy a wig needed because of cancer treatments.
Songs for Life is happening May 31 at a private residence in Bell Acres. The evening is being hosted by Hair Peace Charities and Pittsburgh Divas — local female musicians Jessica Lee, Jeanie Shook, Miss Freddye, Stevee Wellons and Sandra Green, along with a house band of Cheryl Rinovato, Ronnie Biggs, Matt Muckle, John Gresh, Mark Strickland.
“Music has always been important to me to enhance my situation, empower or soothe,” said Diver, a local radio personality for more than four decades who is currently with iHeart Radio. After a lump was found in her breast after a horseback riding accident in 2003, Diver heard the words: “You have cancer.”
Through her experience, she discovered that most insurance companies don’t pay for wigs needed from the treatment, which causes hair loss.
“It is important to try and look normal for working women, mothers and girls in school, but it can be a financial hardship with co-pays and loss of work while in treatment,” Diver said.
The event is being held at 174 Camp Meeting Road Ext., the home of Diver’s friends Barbara Cooley Thaw and Robert Thaw. They have a goal of 100 people, but will accommodate as many as show up, Diver said. The home has a large pavilion where the musicians will be performing and a spacious lawn for guests to bring food and drinks and a lawn chair or blanket to relax. In addition to the grass area, there are comfortable couches and a huge bin filled with blankets.
The evening will include an eclectic mix of music from jazz to rhythm and blues and soul.
Lee performed at the first concert fundraiser for Hair Peace Charities 21 years ago at Ingomar Methodist Church.
“This is a gorgeous country setting to perform in,” said Lee, of Bradford Woods, a jazz and blues singer. “The beauty of music in this natural landscape is spectacular. Some people just have the gift of hospitality.”
Barbara Cooley Thaw, a cancer survivor, is one of those people, Diver said.
“It’s like a mini-Hartwood Acres,” Diver said.
Barbara Cooley Thaw and Richard Thaw have hosted concerts at their home in the past.
“I love having people here,” Barbara Cooley Thaw said. “I like making them feel comfortable.”
Diver said the live performances are special because everyone together in one space experiences the magic of each moment that the musicians make for those in the crowd.
“Cancer will try to pull you down and it can feel isolating, but when you are around other survivors, you know you are not alone,” said Diver. “It will be a very special evening for our women in the cancer battle.”
