Teen Cancer America
PUBLIC RELATIONS . VIDEOGRAPHY
FWV is a pro-bono partner to Los Angeles-based Teen Cancer America (TCA), the national non-profit co-founded by rock icons Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who. TCA helps hospitals and healthcare professionals bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care by supporting hospitals and outpatient facilities in the development of specialized units and programs for this age group. TCA brings together physicians and allied healthcare professionals in both pediatric and adult oncology. Age-targeted care for this population is necessary for medical and appropriate psychosocial development. Outcomes associated with some cancers that target this age group have not improved in over 30 years. Teens and young adults with cancer are long overdue for an upgrade and TCA is dedicated to changing the national standard of care in America’s health systems.
FWV has been involved in a wide range of support roles for TCA, from media relations and creative initiatives to event and partnership development. FWV Chairman & CEO joined the Board of Directors and serves as chair of the TCA Advisory Council. The agency is proud to serve the mission of TCA and its programs across the country.
Media Relations & Content Development for a Rivalry Fundraiser
Annual Hoop-a-Thon
Tapping into the passions of the Duke-North Carolina basketball rivalry, FWV helped to develop and promote a pair of competing fundraisers giving fans the rare opportunity to shoot hoops alongside some of their favorite Blue Devil and Tar Heel players. Hosted by former All-Americans Nolan Smith of Duke and Brice Johnson of UNC, two consecutive Hoop-a-Thons raised funds to support TCA programs in development at the Duke Cancer Institute and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. FWV led media relations efforts and developed video content to tell the story behind this popular event series.
Strategic Partnerships & Impactful Media Relations Help Raise Millions
Private Backyard Concert
FWV plays a key role each year in TCA’s marquee fundraiser, a “Backyard Concert” at a private home in the Pacific Palisades area of Santa Monica, Calif. which raises millions annually for TCA and UCLA Health. The private event features The Who along with special guests that have included Foo Fighters, Pink, Eddie Vedder, Ed Sheeran, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Jewel, Van Morrison, Don McLean and others. Howie Mandel and Judd Apatow serve as hosts and auctioneers for the event. FWV has led media relations efforts and connected TCA with the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation to create additional fundraising opportunities for both organizations.
We captured this backstage video of Ed Sheeran and Don McLean rehearsing “Vincent,” McLean’s haunting ode to Van Gogh, at the Backyard Concert for Teen Cancer America in L.A.
A Compelling Video Reaches the Masses
The Who U.S. Tour
FWV wrote and produced a call-to-action video for TCA that was developed to be screened during The Who’s U.S. tour. The short video was a montage of footage from various TCA events and hospital visits that prompted the viewer to text a donation to TCA. FWV wrote the voice-over narration that was recorded by Roger Daltrey during the first leg of the tour. The video made its debut at Fenway Park in Boston when The Who resumed the second leg of the tour in September.
Public Relations Spotlight Documentary at Film Première
Cancer Rebellion
FWV helped to stage the North Carolina première of Cancer Rebellion, the powerful documentary from Los Angeles-based filmmaker and cancer warrior Hernan Barangan, at the second annual BEYOND: The Film Festival in Cary, N.C. The Who’s Roger Daltrey served as executive producer on the film together with TCA director Simon Davies and TCA board chair Rebecca Rothstein. Cancer Rebellion is one cancer victim’s journey to connect with young cancer patients in all 50 states and give them a voice. The festival screening at the Cary Theater was followed by a Q&A session with Barangan and Davies, with special guests in attendance from Duke Cancer Institute and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.