For 40 years, Danny Federici brought his distinct sound to a large part of Bruce’s music as an E Street Band member and friend before succumbing to melanoma in 2008. To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Danny’s passing, his son, Jason, shares with us how you can help bring awareness to the disease in his honor.

Just a few days ago, on April 17^th, my family remembered the fifth anniversary of my father Danny Federici’s loss in his battle against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  To honor my father and his hope to raise melanoma awareness and funding for scientific research, I am asking for your participation in the DANNY Campaign. Today, you can help us reach our goal by texting “DANNY” to 50555 to donate $10 to The Danny Fund and Melanoma Research Alliance.  100% of you contribution will go to support a $225,000 Young Investigator Award in honor of my father and his fight with this deadly disease.

For those of you who didn’t know my dad, he was a talented and passionate man who –when he wasn’t recording or touring with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band– devoted his time to his family and friends.  He reveled in all that life had to offer, always with a smile on his face. His vivacity and “carpe diem” attitude never diminished, even after he was diagnosed with Stage II melanoma in 2006. His fight was an inspirational one. He sustained hope and continued to play with the band until he was physically unable to perform. In his last few weeks alive, he adopted a mission to awaken the public to the dangers of the sun and advance outcomes for patients plagued by what is now the fastest growing cancer in the US.

Since my father’s death, my family and I created a foundation dedicated to raising funds for melanoma research, The Danny Fund. Today, we are honored for the foundation we built to be a program of the Melanoma Research Alliance. Together, we are working to fund the most promising melanoma research worldwide that is hastening the discovery of better treatments and hopefully, a cure.  Your participation today will directly support a young investigator whose ambitious and innovative research often spearheads groundbreaking scientific developments.

To take part in this meaningful movement, please consider donating $10 today by texting DANNY to 50555. Our family, as well as all individuals and their loved ones touched by this disease, are truly grateful and thank you for your support.

– Jason Federici

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