Fourth annual Cancer Can’t Kill Love benefit concert right around the corner

The Cancer Can’t Kill Love benefit concert is continuing its tradition of kicking cancer where it hurts.

With the bash in its fourth year, The Home Reporter’s own Meaghan McGoldrick is bringing the Bay Ridge community together to enjoy live music from local bands, dance, eat and raise money for cancer research at the event, held each year in memory of her parents.

“We just want to raise awareness and have even more people attend this year,” said McGoldrick.

The benefit is very close to McGoldrick’s heart. By the time she was 22 years old, she had lost both of her parents to cancer. In 2008, her father, John Patrick (known to many as Butch), died from Mesothelioma, an asbestos-triggered lung cancer brought on by his duties as an iron worker at Ground Zero. Five years later, McGoldrick’s mother, Joanne, lost a brief battle with Leukemia in 2013.

What started as a fundraiser McGoldrick’s friend’s planned for her as a way to get her back on her feet turned into an important Bay Ridge tradition. Last year, the benefit raised over $13,000 (bringing the grand total to more than $20,000 since the first show) and is now reaching for a goal of $15,000, with all proceeds set to go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

“It’s overwhelming because the community really rallies behind the effort and supports it,” said McGoldrick. “I’m so appreciative.”

This year’s musical acts include Tyler Conroy, Mayve, Whiskey Dingo, royGbiv, Our Finest Hour, August on Sunday and Stoop Kids.

Gerard Sullivan, drummer of August on Sunday and longtime friend of McGoldrick’s, is thrilled to be a part of the fourth annual event.

“It’s very special this year for us, especially since we’re doing it after our first tour of the summer,” said Sullivan, who has helped organize Cancer Can’t Kill Love since its inception. “Meaghan has taken this thing so far, and it gets bigger and better every year.”

“It’s been amazing to see the strength and love Meaghan has displayed in putting this event together,” added one of McGoldrick’s closest friends, Eileen Fitzpatrick. “She has taken a big scary thing like cancer and reached out to younger people in a way they recognize, in a way that makes you want to get more involved in helping find a cure. It’s a really wonderful day about everyone coming together with love in their hearts.”

The Fourth Annual Cancer Can’t Kill Love benefit concert will be held at The Leif Bar (6725 Fifth Avenue) on Saturday, August 27 from 2 p.m. to midnight. For more information about the benefit, or to get involved, visit www.cancercantkilllove.com.