Proceeds from merchandise and $1 from tickets sold at participating locations will benefit ovarian cancer initiatives at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
George Thorogood presents donation to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Pictured from left to right: Jim Hutt (Road Manager/George Thorogood), Dr. Ronald Alvarez (Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology/VUMC), Casey Holden (Director of Community Development/VUMC), George Thorogood, and Adam Conde (Manager/George Thorogood and The Destroyers).
George Thorogood and the Destroyers have sold over 15 million albums, built a classic catalog of hits, and played more than 8,000 ferocious live shows. As they hit the road in 2021, their Good to Be Bad Tour will not only celebrate 45 years of blues-based rock, but it will also mark their first year officially partnering with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
After losing his wife, Marla, in 2019 from ovarian cancer, Thorogood announced the establishment of the Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research. At the time, they had been married for 34 years and have one daughter, Rio, who has performed with her father and is an accomplished musician and actress.
Beginning this September, a limited-edition T-shirt featuring the Destroyers logo in the color teal will be available for purchase online and at shows. Teal is the official color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, which takes place throughout the month of September. 100% of the net proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit ovarian cancer research at Vanderbilt-Ingram via the Marla Thorogood Memorial Fund for Ovarian Cancer Research. In addition, $1 from each ticket sold at participating locations will also support the fund at Vanderbilt-Ingram.
All proceeds will go toward the research being conducted under the leadership of Ronald D. Alvarez, MD, MBA, Chairman and Clinical Service Chief and Betty and Lonnie S. Burnett Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The team focuses on research identifying new strategies to screen for ovarian cancer and more effective therapies.
“Due to advances in surgery, chemotherapy and the introduction of new therapies, patients affected by ovarian cancer are now living longer than they ever have,” said Alvarez. “While we certainly have a long way to go, George Thorogood and The Destroyers’ commitment to ovarian cancer research and the work at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center will serve as a crucial step in eradicating this disease.”
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 21,410 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer every year, and approximately 13,700 will pass away from ovarian cancer annually.
“I am dedicated to supporting ovarian cancer awareness, education and research that will lead to providing screenings and educating more women about this disease,” said Thorogood. “It is important for women to get annual exams and take charge of their health. My daughter and I want to do what we can to save lives.”