Sing to Live choir inspires breast cancer fighters, survivors

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's been said that "music heals the soul." One local breast cancer survivor took those words to heart, paying it forward in a most unusual, musical way.

Melinda Pollack has sung in choirs most of her life. But the joy of music took on a whole new meaning when she received devastating health news 10 years ago.

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2004. At that time I didn't know anyone who had breast cancer, so I really had no one to talk to that understood the journey," Pollack said.

She went to support groups, looking for that connection.

"But what was glaringly missing for me was something musical," Pollack said. "So I thought I would try to make happen myself."

"She had this great idea of starting a choir that would be for breast cancer survivors, and would I be interested? I said, 'Definitely,'" said Dr. Wilbert Watkins, Sing to Live Artistic Director and Conductor.

Pollack's entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and the choir Sing to Live was born. Their first concert had 34 singers, all of them touched by breast cancer.

Survivor Robin Akers was looking for a way to give back. Never having sung in a choir before, she put herself out there and joined.

"It was very scary, the first concert. I thought I was going to pass out. But after that I realized that I was really doing it, not only for my family and friends and other survivors but more so for me," Akers said.

Choir member Kevin Glover's grandmother died from breast cancer.

"I've always had a very strong emotional connection to music. The connection between me and my grandmother and music was a really good one. So every time I sing, I often think of her," Glover said.

The early concerts shared songs of hope and support. Now, those songs of inspiration have a more popular theme, with Motown and Broadway tunes.

"I've always thought that music is very therapeutic, that music is something that heals your soul," Watkins said.

"The music is just a way for us to be together, to create something beautiful together and share it with the audience," Pollack said.

As Sing to Live approaches its 10th season, the choir has grown to over 90 members.

Their concert this weekend is "The Sensational '70s," with performances Saturday night in Glenview and Sunday afternoon in Oak Park. Admission for breast cancer survivors is free.