ICU Nurse Hosts Concert to Help Cancer Patients in Vermont

When Ted Perry survived cancer, he didn't just return to his job as an ICU nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He decided to turn his piano skills into a lifeline for others walking the same difficult path he once traveled.

Perry is hosting a benefit concert this Friday, February 20, at SEABA on Pine Street in Burlington. Every dollar raised will go directly to the UVM Cancer Center Patient Support Funds, helping patients pay for transportation, housing, and food during treatment.

These expenses often become overwhelming burdens for families already facing cancer. While insurance may cover medical bills, it rarely helps with the cost of driving to daily radiation appointments or finding a place to stay near the hospital during weeks of chemotherapy.

Perry won't be performing alone. He's bringing together some of Vermont's finest musical talent, including renowned artists Ray Vega and Dwight & Nicole, for an evening of music that serves a greater purpose.

Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m. Concert goers can also make additional donations throughout the evening.

The Ripple Effect

Perry's story shows how personal experience can fuel powerful community action. As both a healthcare provider and a cancer survivor, he understands the medical side and the human side of this disease. He sees patients struggle with these hidden costs every day in the ICU, and he knows firsthand how those worries compound the stress of treatment.

By combining his dual roles as nurse and musician, Perry has created a sustainable way to help. This isn't a one time fundraiser. It's a model that can be repeated, bringing the community together through music while addressing real, practical needs that make a genuine difference in patients' lives.

Vermont's tight knit music community is rallying behind one of their own who's rallying behind others. That's the kind of cycle worth celebrating.

One evening of music will help countless patients focus on healing instead of worrying about how they'll get to their next appointment.