CANDYE KANE "SUPERHERO"

It is a miracle that you are holding this CD in your hands at all. When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2008, I really thought I was a goner. I didn’t know if I would ever record another song or perform another live show. I cancelled an entire European tour to undergo the Whipple procedure on April 18, 2008. I didn’t know if I would survive the surgery or if I would ever have the strength to sing again.

Facing death is inevitable but when the ominous arrival is sudden, it is a numbing interruption. A single mom, with two sons, I was petrified that I would die and never have the chance to see them graduate from college, marry or enjoy my grandchildren. I put my affairs in order and prepared myself for the likelihood that I wouldn’t make it. I forgot about the other problems I was dealing with – everything pales in comparison when you are faced with death. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, often taking people just six months after diagnosis. I have lost friends to this deadly cancer myself. My future didn’t look good.

I felt like I had already lived an amazing life. When my doctor told me the diagnosis I said, “Well, if it is my time to go, I sure have had an amazing ride!” He was surprised at my reaction. I wasn’t ready to die but sure have crammed a lot of living into my 40 plus years on the planet. I have transcended many challenges in my lifetime and learned to make lemonade from the lemons. Positive thinking and habitual optimism have served me well and now I would need them more than ever before.

Being a musician with no savings or insurance, I faced some terrifying choices. I was scared but didn’t suffer alone. People around the world rallied to my side. Caring friends and fans from Paris to San Francisco threw benefits to raise money for my medical expenses. Musicares, Society of Singers, the Blues Foundation HART Fund and generous individuals, sent donations. It was a fragile time – but the knowledge that so many cared about my plight was empowering and truly humbling.

I allowed myself a few private moments of self-pity. I cried, prayed, lit candles and performed rituals. I educated myself about cancer and self-healing. I called people with whom I held grudges and asked for their forgiveness. And in what has become a habit, I wrote songs – I’m a Super Hero, Hey! Toughen Up!, I’m Gonna be Just Fine. I sang these songs to myself and envisioned the healing light of the universe showering my internal organs with warmth every day.

A year later, I have been pronounced cancer free. I have made this new CD, resumed my hectic touring schedule and am immeasurably grateful for this second chance.

I don’t believe in a God who would spare my life, yet take the lives of innocent others. I believe that my recovery was a delicate balance of an excellent surgeon, early detection, lifestyle changes, determination, faith in my own body, sheer stubbornness and the positive, healing energy from people around the world. I believe in prayer – not because I think there is someone answering our prayers like a short order cook but because I believe that when we pray, we declare our intentions and desires into the universe and we allow the universe to give us what we need. I believe we all have the strength inside us to meet challenges head on. Our life path is not dictated by an external source, or even by our own dysfunctional childhoods or tragic circumstances. We alone, have the power to change our lives. Our path can be altered by our own drive and our own determination. I have altered my life repeatedly by not making excuses, not laying blame and by taking responsibility for my own choices and my own future.

And finally, as a songwriter, I believe in the power of healing words. I believe that when I write words of empowerment and share them with an audience, we all become a little bit stronger. Lets face it; I am not the toughest girl alive, nor am I a super hero. I am a human being with the same frailties and vulnerabilities as you. But when I get up onstage and sing the words “I’m a super hero. I keep on fighting. There’s no way I’m leaving without trying,” I become stronger. I become invincible. I am ready to take on the world and whatever comes my way.

You don’t have to be a super hero to transcend your challenges in life. You just have to think like one.

- Candye Kane (Los Angeles, Ca - 03/2009)