Peter Tork's Hope On Project

The Former Monkee Talks About His Fundraising for ACC Research

May 18, 2009

Diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer called Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Peter talks to me about his new Hope On Project to raise money for ACC research.

In the 60’s the Monkees rode the top of the charts and the airwaves. The show won 2 Emmys, spawned several hit records, a cult classic film, and millions of fans. In 1967 the group outsold the Beatles and the Rolling Stones combined! Although the series was cancelled in 1968, and the group broke up in 1970 (Peter left in 1969 and Mike Nesmith followed soon after), both the group’s music and the TV show remain popular today

While Peter moved on to other projects, eventually settling in as the front man of blues band, Shoe Suede Blues, he found the time to participate in several Monkees reunions, winning new generations of fans. Those fans were shocked when he announced in March that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of head and neck cancer and would undergo immediate surgery. He’s been recovering at his home in Connecticut and doing very well. Recently we had the chance to talk to him about his cancer diagnosis and his new fundraising project to help raise awareness and fund research of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

Q: How was your cancer diagnosed? Were there some particular symptoms that led you to see your doctor?

Silly. Should I answer: no? Nothing came up, I just sauntered into one of the more respected cancer surgeon's office one fine day, on account of I thought a trip to New York would be just the thing. Of course there were particular symptoms, silly goose! For starters, I began to have trouble swallowing, and then my voice began to change tone. Eventually I went to a local ear, nose and throat guy who shot a fiber optic viewer down my throat and came up with a provisional diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. After a biopsy, that diagnosis was confirmed to be, not squamous cell, but adenoid cystic carcinoma.

I remember that I once said in an interview for television: "Be a hero to yourself." Turns out what I meant is that each of us is the hero of our own story, a story of mythic proportions. In every one of the Greek and Roman myths, in fact of almost all the myths the world over, the hero is born high, displaced to a lowly state, and must eventually perform some impossible task, which he/she accomplishes—WITH HELP! This, it turns out, is the story of everybody. It's pretty cool, actually!

My publicist Therra is gearing up, for me, The Peter Tork Hope On Project, and although we are not going so far to start a full-fledged charity since we don't have the time or man or woman power for that, we will be donating a percentage of profits from the sale of HOPE ON cancer awareness bracelets to two different charities for rare cancer to help them do what they do best - educate, fund research and raise awareness. Pretty cool,huh?

Very cool indeed! To participate in the Peter Tork Hope On Project, see the info below. Thanks for your time Peter-please know that we all wish you the very best as you move forward in your recovery and we can’t wait to see you on tour this summer!

Show your support for Peter Tork and put your HOPE ON for all cancer patients! A percentage of all profits will go to the Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Research Foundation (ACCRF), the largest ACC research organization in the world and also to another non-profit cancer organization to be named later by Peter.

COST: $3.99 plus $1.75 s&h in the United States = $5.74 each (outside the USA inquire first for postal rates)

Checks and MO's should be made out to Therra Gwyn. Paypal payment or requests can be sent to tcgwyn@yahoo.com

The copyright of the article Peter Tork's Hope On Project in 50s - 60s Pop Music is owned by Susan Walsh. Permission to republish Peter Tork's Hope On Project in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.