10 CONCERTS. 10 YEARS. 1000s REACHED.
A Private Concert Honoring Renowned Pianist
MIKE GARSON // Bowie's Piano Man
On Saturday June 6, 2026, we gather for a private concert honoring the music of David Bowie, marking the 10th anniversary of his passing from cancer, and celebrating a decade of collaboration between Mike Garson and Candy Hammeras, founder of Cancer Teamwork Response (CTR).
A STORY THAT REFLECTS WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
In 2025, at the Samueli Theater / Segerstrom Performing Arts Center, a local OC business man was invited to attend a Cancer Teamwork Response (CTR) concert.
After learning about the critical services CTR provides to patients facing cancer and rare disease, he thought of his friend David, who had been admitted to a local hospital for three weeks and was continuing to worsen. He shared CTR’s phone number with David’s wife, Tammy, an RN, who immediately contacted Candy for guidance.
Tammy knew her husband needed a higher level of expertise. Together, Candy and Tammy coordinated a hospital-to-hospital transfer to an academic medical center, where David improved for a short while. Sadly, he later passed away from cancer-related complications that had not been addressed in the community hospital.
Tammy later participated in a CTR Patient Stories video, sharing her experience and the importance of having expert guidance when time and clarity matter most.
[Watch Tammy’s Story and hear from other CTR patients navigating cancer and complex health issues →]
This is how CTR often begins — through community, connection, and someone simply knowing where to turn.
TEN YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
On June 6, 2026, CTR will produce its 10th community concert in 10 years. Over the past decade, these concerts have introduced communities to CTR’s work and helped connect thousands of people to a mission centered on guidance, advocacy, and access to expert care.
During that time, CTR has assisted 3,500+ patients of all ages — including families like Gavin and Haven, adults like Tim and David, and supporters like Julia Post, CTR’s Founding Advisor.
CTR’s guidance and care remain cost free because of generous donors and patients who choose to support our services. Sponsorship of these concerts is what allows CTR to remain free of charge and directly supports patient care.
EVENT FUNDING GOAL $100,000
Our goal is to raise $100,000 in sponsorship support to ensure CTR continues serving patients free of charge. SPONSORSHIP BEGINS AT $1,000.
-
Our goal is to raise $100,000 in sponsorship support to ensure CTR continues serving patients free of charge.
Sponsorship begins at $1,000.
-
$10,000 — THE VISIONARY
Supports comprehensive non-clinical navigation and complex logistical coordination for families navigating the unique challenges of youth and AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) cancer.$5,000 — THE GUARDIAN
Covers the first 100 days of guidance, including second opinions, medical record coordination, and lodging support.$2,500 — THE CATALYST
Supports patient intake and expert sourcing, identifying leading specialists nationwide for each patient’s specific diagnosis.$1,000 — THE SUPPORTER
Funds specialized counseling and grief support, helping families navigate the emotional impact of a medical crisis. -
Sponsorship does more than support an evening of music. It directly strengthens CTR’s ability to guide patients through complex cancer diagnoses.
Connecting Patients to Excellence:
Funds support CTR’s navigation work—researching and connecting patients with top‑tier specialists uniquely suited to their diagnosis, often across multiple leading medical centers.
Removing Barriers to Care
Support helps patients overcome the logistical and administrative obstacles that can delay life‑saving treatment.
Expert Advocacy
Sponsorship allows CTR to provide experienced guidance and advocacy for families overwhelmed by the medical system, ensuring they have trusted support from the very beginning
-
Garson, Bowie’s longest-standing band member whose career with David spanned four decades, will lead a concert filled with iconic hits and deep-cut favorites. He was at Bowie’s side for his first and last U.S. performances, and his avant-garde piano on tracks like Aladdin Sane helped define the sound of generations.
Joining Garson on lead vocals is Joe Sumner, frontman of Fiction Plane and son of Sting, whose vocals have been celebrated for their emotional depth and energy.
“This concert is a deeply personal way for me to honor my friend David and the legacy we created together. His music changed the world, and continues to inspire us all.”
— Mike GarsonThis evening also marks more than ten years of partnership between Mike Garson and Candy Hammeras, a collaboration that has strengthened a healthcare community and reached thousands of patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
“For ten years, Mike has stood beside me in the most generous way, using music to bring people together around something bigger than all of us. This night reflects our shared commitment to patients navigating cancer and the community that supports them.”
— Candy Hammeras, Founder, Cancer Teamwork ResponseWe will also honor UCLA’s trauma team, liver and pancreas surgeons, oncologists, and leaders in breast cancer care, recognizing the physicians and institutions who collaborate with CTR to improve patient outcomes.
To Discuss Sponsorship:
Candy Hammeras
Founder, Cancer Teamwork Response
949-500-2076 // c.hammerasgroup@gmail.com
HONORING
KATE JOHNSON
Kate Johnson will also be remembered on this special night. Kate was an Emmy-winning Producer who understood cancer firsthand. After finding Candy for guidance during her own cancer journey, she became deeply committed to helping create a lasting legacy for thousands of other patients.
Her belief in this work, and in what CTR could become, helped shape the vision that continues today. Kate’s legacy will be honored on June 6.
Join us in honoring David Bowie’s legacy and Mike Garson’s decade of collaboration, while ensuring more patients find their way to the best possible care.