The We Can Survive concert is an annual breast cancer awareness concert held in Los Angeles, California. It features performances by some of the biggest names in music and raises funds for breast cancer research and treatment programs.
When and where is the We Can Survive concert held?
The We Can Survive concert is held every October at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater in Los Angeles. The first We Can Survive concert was held in 2013. It is organized by CBS Radio and benefits the Young Survival Coalition, a nonprofit organization that focuses on the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Who started the We Can Survive concert?
The We Can Survive concert was started in 2013 by Lisa Worden, Vice President of Programming at CBS Radio and the Program Director at LA’s top 40 station KAMP-FM. After learning that breast cancer affected women of all ages, Worden felt passionate about doing something to support the cause. She conceived of We Can Survive as a way to use the reach of radio to make a difference.
What is the purpose of the We Can Survive concert?
The We Can Survive concert has a few key purposes:
- Raise funds for breast cancer organizations like the Young Survival Coalition that provide services for women diagnosed with breast cancer
- Raise awareness about breast cancer, especially in younger women
- Bring together music superstars to entertain fans in support of a good cause
- Empower those affected by breast cancer and celebrate survivors
What happens at the concert?
The We Can Survive concert features performances by major musical acts playing short sets. Some of the most popular performers have included:
| Year | Performers |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon, Bruno Mars, Miguel, Pink |
| 2014 | Pharrell Williams, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea, Sia |
| 2015 | Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons, Ellie Goulding, Gwen Stefani |
| 2016 | Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Beck, Niall Horan, DNCE |
| 2017 | Bruno Mars, Pink, The Chainsmokers, Sam Hunt, Fifth Harmony |
| 2018 | Mariah Carey, Charlie Puth, Backstreet Boys, G-Eazy, Shawn Mendes |
| 2019 | Chance the Rapper, Maren Morris, Black Eyed Peas, Backstreet Boys, Weezer |
| 2020 | Virtual concert due to COVID-19 with performances by Billie Eilish, Onerepublic, Brad Paisley, Anthony Hamilton |
| 2021 | Jonas Brothers, Coldplay, Doja Cat, Shawn Mendes, Saweetie, The Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta and more |
In between performances, breast cancer survivors and those affected share inspiring stories about their experiences. The event offers fun giveaways and prizes for attendees.
How can you get tickets to We Can Survive?
There are a few ways to get tickets to the We Can Survive concert:
- Tickets go on sale to the general public through Ticketmaster in August/September each year.
- Listen to local CBS Radio stations which often give away tickets and ticket packages.
- Enter contests on the concert’s official website and on the radio station websites.
- Look for special charity auction packages where part of the proceeds go to breast cancer organizations.
Tickets are usually around $50-150 depending on seat location. There are also special VIP packages with meet and greet opportunities available.
How much money has We Can Survive raised?
Since its start in 2013, the We Can Survive concert has raised over $7 million for breast cancer charities. This money comes from ticket sales and from donations made by concert attendees and sponsors. A portion of proceeds from VIP tickets and special packages also goes to the cause.
Fundraising Totals by Year:
| Year | Fundraising Total |
|---|---|
| 2013 | $580,000 |
| 2014 | $700,000 |
| 2015 | $850,000 |
| 2016 | $900,000 |
| 2017 | $1 million |
| 2018 | $1.2 million |
| 2019 | $1.5 million |
| 2020 | $900,000 (virtual concert) |
| 2021 | $1.3 million |
| Total | Over $7 million |
What breast cancer organizations benefit from We Can Survive?
The main beneficiary of the We Can Survive concert is the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). YSC offers resources, connections and outreach for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40. Some of the programs they offer include:
- Peer support networks
- Educational tools and webinars
- Advocacy for young women’s breast cancer issues
YSC uses the money to provide direct services and programs for young survivors and those diagnosed with breast cancer. Their advocates also lobby for better services and research focused on younger women with breast cancer.
Other breast cancer charities that have benefited from We Can Survive donations include Susan G. Komen, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the Margie Petersen Breast Center at John Wayne Cancer Institute.
Why is breast cancer awareness important?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. According to BreastCancer.org:
- About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime.
- In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
- About 2,710 cases are expected in men in 2022.
While breast cancer rates have slightly fallen in recent years, it remains a leading cancer affecting women’s health. Breast cancer awareness and early detection saves lives by finding cancer sooner when it is most treatable. We Can Survive helps fund programs providing resources, research and services to help fight this disease.
We Can Survive also educates women that breast cancer can happen at any age. While risk increases with age, thousands of women under 40 are diagnosed each year. Increased awareness helps women of all ages pay attention to their breast health.
How can you support breast cancer awareness?
Everyone can help spread awareness and support women affected by breast cancer. Here are some tips:
- Attend or donate to We Can Survive or other breast cancer charities – Help great organizations continue providing services and funding research.
- Support breast cancer patients – If you know someone affected, offer meals, rides, childcare or moral support.
- Get screened – Women should do monthly self-exams and get clinical exams/mammograms as recommended.
- Wear pink in October – The pink ribbon helps get conversations started.
- Share facts on social media – Post about early detection and breast health.
- Ask your company to donate – Encourage donations to breast cancer nonprofits.
- Volunteer – Local breast cancer groups often need volunteers.
We Can Survive reminds us that music unites us in hope and healing. With awareness and action, we can work together to reduce deaths from breast cancer.
Conclusion
For over a decade, the We Can Survive concert has brought together music superstars and thousands of fans to support breast cancer awareness. This inspiring event raises millions for programs providing resources, connections and services for women affected by breast cancer. While great strides have been made, breast cancer remains a critical issue, with hundreds of thousands of women diagnosed each year. We Can Survive will continue advocating for research, early detection, support services and finding a cure.
