Making Joyful Music
Neil, a drummer starring in a Detroit band, has always loved music. A lifelong Michigander, he said his philosophy on life is to treasure things, like music, as long as he can.
“Do the things that bring you joy,” Neil said. “Try to laugh, and don’t dwell on what you think might happen down the road.”
Finding joy hasn’t always been easy for Neil, especially when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer diagnosis in March 2016. And though his initial procedure was successful, the cancer returned three years later. His doctor prescribed a new, promising treatment.
“It’s tough and has some nasty side effects, but I do my best to live with them,” Neil said. “So far, it’s keeping me alive.”
His doctor emphasized the importance of adhering to his treatment regimen to keep the cancer at bay. Since Neil had stepped back from his career as a lawyer, his income was significantly reduced. Paying for the high copay, Neil said, would be challenging.
“I was going to be charged close to $150,000 a year for it,” Neil said. “It was going to be a hardship.”
Neil was referred by his pharmacy to The Assistance Fund’s (TAF’s) Prostate Cancer Copay Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs for all FDA-approved treatment for prostate cancer, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
“I cannot adequately express my gratitude for TAF’s assistance with my medication,” he said. “It’s truly saved my life.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Neil and his band found time to continue playing together. The pandemic inspired the group to write and practice many new songs.
“We get together once a week and play just for fun,” Neil said. “I get a lot of joy from playing.”
The band traveled around Michigan for years, playing several gigs a week and donating the proceeds to charities. Now, they just play for the fun and pride it brings each of them.
“It just kind of grew out of our friendship and our mutual desire to play music,” he said. “It’s good therapy.”
