Dr Charlie Teo sings for good · Creativity Australia
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Dr Charlie Teo sings for good

Leading neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has shared his secret for surviving the rigours, challenges and tragedies he and his team see on a daily basis – Singing!

Dr Teo and his team have entered an inspirational and creative rendition of the Gloria Gaynor hit “I will survive” into the national singing project Sing for Good as a tribute to their patients suffering from brain cancer.

Sing for Good was set up by Creativity Australia to raise awareness of the power of singing to improve mental health, wellbeing and connect communities. It is also a fundraiser for disadvantaged people in the With One Voice social inclusion program that is changing the lives of people all across Australia.

Dr Teo is known world-wide for his skill, but even he admits that “surgery for brain cancer is high risk and physically and emotionally taxing. The management of those with brain cancer is so stressful one could be excused for seeing only the negative side of life … Singing together during and after a hard day in the operating theatre has helped me and my team overcome many of the tragedies that we see on a daily basis and we encourage everyone to do the same”.

“Unfortunately brain cancer kills more children and young adults than any other cancer. It is also the least funded and has the greatest socio-economic impact on society” explains Dr Teo, “but fortunately, this terrible disease often brings out the best in people. Patients demonstrate amazing courage, loved-ones rally to their sides, doctors and nurses bond together as a committed and unified team and life acquires new meaning”.

Creativity Australia founder Tania de Jong AM says “It’s inspirational and life-affirming to see Charlie’s entry! Neuroscience proves singing makes us happier, healthier, smarter and more creative, and that’s why Sing for Good is so important.” Watch Tania’s TED Talk “how singing together changes the brain”.

The goal for Sing for Good, explains de Jong, “is to get every community in Australia participating and to raise money for not only the With One Voice program, but also many other charities and creative arts-health programs.”

“The best part about Sing for Good is that everyone can participate and support their charities. While fun runs and moustaches are great, this is a fundraiser that gives people who don’t want to run or can’t grow a mo, the chance to support charities and improve their own wellbeing too”.

Sing for Good is easy and everyone can do it. Families, workplaces, schools, sports teams, choirs… Real courage is needed to sing in public; likewise it is courage that is needed to overcome adversity, illness and disadvantage”, says de Jong.

Sing for Good started on 1 August and runs through until 31 October. Visit www.singforgood.org for more information and to start singing.

 

Watch Dr Teo and the Brain Cancer Warriors video and support the cause at www.singforgood.org/campaigns/brain-cancer-warriors-i-will-survive/

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