‘Stars Guitars’ Auction and Concert Benefits Kids After Cancer

Autographed guitars from famous pop, rock and country musicians will be going on the auction block April 20 to support the Charles A. Main Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund of Beaumont Children’s Hospital.

The event, titled "Stars Guitars," will take place at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event features a live and silent auction, strolling dinner and a performance by the Little River Band.

Some of the biggest names in the music industry have autographed guitars for the fundraiser’s auctions. Musicians include One Direction, Hall and Oates, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zac Brown Band, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers and Van Halen. For a complete list of guitars, including photos, visit the Stars Guitars website - www.starsguitars.org.

Along with autographed guitars, other auction items include: restaurant packages, jewelry, home goods, sports memorabilia, and more. Descriptions of all auction items can be found on the event website.

Tickets for the casual, family-friendly event are $75 for general admission and $125 for preferred seating patron tickets. Both tickets include the live and silent auctions, gourmet strolling dinner and concert by Little River Band.

For tickets and more information, visit starsguitars.org, or call 248-551-9887.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Charles A. Main Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund and the Pediatric Oncology Late Effects Clinic at Beaumont Children’s Hospital.

The Charles A. Main Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund was created in honor of Dr. Charles Main, Beaumont’s chief of pediatric hematology/oncology. The fund’s purpose is to assist young cancer survivors to pursue advanced education. A total of 37 students are receiving scholarships this year.

“I wanted to encourage my young patients to overcome their health issues and strive to reach their full potential as they battle through the darkness of a devastating disease like cancer,” Main said. “Seeing these fantastic kids, who have been through so much, have this opportunity to shine is rewarding.”

For many young patients and their families, just knowing that there is life after cancer with educational opportunities and a bright future ahead of them provides the inspiration they need to get through the frightening and difficult days. Since the inception of the program in 1992, more than 150 students have been awarded more than $850,000 in scholarship money.

The Charles A. Main Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund was expanded five years ago to include medical grants to address and care for the late effects of the very treatments that saved the lives of these children.

Common long-term side effects of cancer treatment include cardiac and respiratory issues, vision and hearing problems, delayed growth and development and learning disabilities, all of which need follow-up care. Medical grants to Beaumont’s Late Effects Clinic are provided for those young people who have survived cancer but do not qualify for medical insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

Currently one in every 1,000 18-year-old children is a survivor of cancer.