On April 29, Lawren Hill awoke basking in the afterglow of a momentous night of celebration with her closest friends. With “happy belated” and “great seeing you” texts still rolling in, she was jolted out of her bliss by an earth-shattering phone call from her mother, Anna Bowers.
Bowers went in for routine screening just like she had in the past. But this time, her doctor suggested a diagnosis that no one wants to hear: she likely had cancer. Bowers was shuffled from one specialist appointment to another in that first week.
Colorectal cancer was quickly confirmed. Bowers worried about the financial and emotional burden that this may place on her family. She’d left her job in corporate America three years ago to become a full-time artist. She knew that this leap also meant leaving behind her medical benefits, but she never anticipated a $17,000 deductible.
Determined to help her mother, Hill had a plan: apply her skills and connections as a local musician to put on a rockin’ benefit. Right away, her bandmates in Lawren Hill & The Mollywops were on board to donate their talents. Local acts, The Audience and JD Ridenour, quickly followed suit. Cushwa Brewing Company (also home to Rad Pies pizza) gladly agreed to provide the venue, and soon after, local vendors and businesses agreed to donate their time to table and goods for raffles.
During interview with LocalNews1, Hill was in the midst of the long drive to see her mother in North Carolina. The good news: Bowers has OFFICIALLY finished radiation therapy (see photo of Anna, husband Roy Bowers, daughter Lawren, and granddaughter Cora celebrating with her certificate of completion)!
But from here, she is still waiting on her August imaging to determine whether she will need further treatment options of IV chemotherapy and/or surgery.
Hill is extremely cognizant that right now, many people are struggling financially. Still, she is hopeful that good people in the community will show up to support her mother and enjoy a great night of togetherness. Knowing how involved Hill is in the community, from teaching English at South High to leading karaoke nights at local pubs, organizers and friends are hopeful that she’ll be met with the love she gives.
Who: the coolest emo/punk-loving good people from the Tri-state
What: live music, award-winning pizza & beer, local vendors, and raffles; no admission fee
Where: Cushwa Brewing Company, 10288 Governor Lane Boulevard, Williamsport
When: Saturday, Aug. 1, from 4-10 p.m.
Why: to benefit Anna Bowers in her battle against colorectal cancer
Lineup
4-5: JD Ridenour (acoustic emo)
5:30-7:30 PM: The Audience (pop punk bangers & radio hits from the 2000s)
8-10 PM: Lawren Hill & The Mollywops (alt covers from the ’90s’ to 2000s)
Editor’s note: This story was submitted by Claire Martin of Waynesboro
