Musician embarks on breath taking campaign in support of Toronto East General Hospital

TORONTO, July 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Up and coming Toronto-based singer/songwriter Joseph Neale, a lung cancer survivor, is breathing new life into his music career, and helping Toronto East General Hospital while he is at it. In a unique fundraising campaign, Joseph is inviting Canadians to join him as he raises funds towards his new album while at the same time supporting Toronto East General, where he had his life saving surgery.    

Joseph was about to launch his music career when he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Now, with a clean bill of health and a heart full of gratitude, he is using the Indiegogo social media site, as many new artists and entrepreneurs do, to kick start his campaign and to increase awareness about lung cancer.  By sharing his moving story and connecting it to raising funds for Toronto East General Hospital and three other lung-related charities, he is hoping to increase awareness about this deadly disease, which almost stole his incredible voice.  It is this desire to do more that is so inspiring about this remarkably talented young man. 

Joseph said, "I want to raise awareness about Lung Cancer, which is still the most deadly cancer for both men and women."    

Based upon donation amounts, donors can enjoy numerous rewards such as; t-shirts, hoodies and digital downloads. But Joseph is taking his commitment one step further and is even offering to perform at exclusive events and to give donors the opportunity to collaborate with Joseph to write a song, in order to increase the gifts to the charities.

To be truly inspired by his voice, his life or to support his dream to bring awareness to lung cancer, visit igg.me/at/OneLungOneLife. 

"I was 20, diagnosed with lung cancer. I was terrified.  All I could think of was would I ever sing again; would I live to see my baby daughter grow up?" said Joseph Neale, who comes from a family of musicians, including his cousin, JUNO-award-winning jackSOUL (Haydain Neale). "Dr. Simone at East General treated me like his son. I knew he cared and would do all he could to save my life, save my voice. When I woke up in the recovery room, after my lung surgery, the first thing I tried to do was sing.  I am forever grateful to Dr. Simone for my life and for making it possible for me to fulfil my dream to sing for the world."

Joseph's incredibly compelling story is a testament to the positive, life-changing impact of the medical expertise at Toronto East General, which is setting a new standard of patient-centred care for people like Joseph Neale. 

About Joseph Neale
Born into a family of musicians, Joseph began his love affair with music at a young age. He tried his hand at the guitar, trumpet and piano, but soon learned that his favourite instrument was one without strings, chords and keys: his voice. Joseph dedicates his days and nights to the pursuit of music.  He draws inspiration from musical pioneers such as Michael Jackson and, closer to home, Joseph's cousin, Haydain Neale (JUNO award-winning artist, lead singer of Canadian group jackSOUL).

Beating lung cancer has brought a new awareness and respect for life and its opportunities to Joseph.  Joseph was diagnosed at just 20 years of age. He had surgery at the age of 21. It is a compelling story, with a great sense of hope. As the cousin of the late Haydain Neale, with the same disease but winning the fight, Joseph is well-positioned to bring attention to lung cancer, how it can affect people at a young age and the importance of community health care.  Visit iamjosephneale.com

About Toronto East General Hospital:
Toronto East General Hospital is setting a new standard in patient care. This award-winning, community teaching hospital serves the socially and economically diverse neighbourhoods of east Toronto. The hospital provides superb clinical treatment and is rapidly gaining acclaim as a leader in areas such as Thoracic Surgery, Robotic Technology and Child & Adolescent Mental Health.

Visit tegh.on.ca | Follow @EastGeneral on Twitter. 

About the TEGH Capital Redevelopment Campaign:
Toronto East General Hospital is in the midst of a monumental Redevelopment Project. The focal point of this expansion is the new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, which will usher in a new era of leading-edge health care.  This landmark health care facility will increase access to inpatient and outpatient services for the more than half a million people throughout the GTA who rely on Toronto East General Hospital for health care excellence. The Toronto East General Hospital Foundation is in the final stretch of its $60-million private-sector campaign to support this historic redevelopment.

About Lung Cancer:

25,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer. This represents 14% of all new cancer cases in 2013. 20,200 Canadians will die from lung cancer. This represents 27% of all cancer deaths in 2013.13,300 men will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 10,700 will die from it.12,200 women will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 9,500 will die from it. On average, 70 Canadians will be diagnosed with lung cancer every day. On average, 55 Canadians will die from lung cancer every day.

All statistics are estimates from: Canadian Cancer Society's Steering Committee: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013. Toronto: Canadian Cancer Society, 2013.

SOURCE: Toronto East General Hospital

or to arrange an interview with Joseph Neale, contact: Justin Van Dette, Manager, Corporate and Community Relations, Toronto East General Hospital Foundation, 416-659-3870, [email protected]