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Broadway Stars Align to Support Metastatic Breast Cancer Research

By BCRF | April 8, 2024

Money raised from the second annual The Janice Jam: Broadway for Breast Cancer will fund BCRF research to end metastatic breast cancer

Some of Broadway’s biggest stars will shine even brighter when they come together for “The Janice Jam: Broadway for Breast Cancer,” a benefit concert supporting BCRF on May 13. One hundred percent of the net proceeds will fund the groundbreaking research of BCRF investigators—specifically, studies focused on metastatic breast cancer (MBC), an incurable form of breast cancer.

The Janice Jam was created by Broadway performer Matt DeAngelis, who has appeared in Waitress and Hair, among many other productions. After the tragic loss of his mother, Janice, to MBC in 2022, Matt wanted to find a way to pay tribute not just to her but to everyone who has had or is currently living with the disease. Janice adored the theater, so putting on a concert with his fellow Broadway stars felt like the perfect way to honor her while also raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

“She was kind of a Broadway mom,” Matt said of Janice during an appearance on the TODAY show last year. “She was so, so thrilled that I was an actor, and she was friends with a lot of my Broadway friends.”

Working with his wife, fellow performer Christine Dwyer, he founded The Janice Jam, a charity event that brings together Broadway industry friends and colleagues for a night of unforgettable vocal and dance performances.

This year’s show will be held at Haswell Green’s in New York City on Monday, May 13. Featured performers include Jackie Cox, Caissie Levy, John Gallager Jr., and more. As he did at last year’s concert, Matt will also perform.

BCRF was selected as the event’s beneficiary because of its dedication to metastatic research. This year, the Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of metastatic breast cancer research—investing more than $22.3 million into the form—and the highest-rated breast cancer research organization in the country.

“This event serves as the celebration of a woman who was more than just an honorary part of the Broadway community, and I am so proud of how we continue to build this as a means to education and celebration,” Matt said. “With continued education and non-profit support for future generations, we are proud to do our part in helping eradicate this disease, thus, preventing losses like mine and many others in this world.”

BCRF is honored and grateful to be the recipient of proceeds from this year’s concert. Funds will support researchers seeking to advance our understanding of metastatic disease, find new therapies to help those living with it now, and more.

“By supporting BCRF, The Janice Jam is driving change to improve outcomes and save lives,” said BCRF Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Dorraya El-Ashry. “In 2024, an estimated 200,000 people are living with MBC, up from 140,000 in 2014—evidence that we are successfully extending the lives of metastatic breast cancer patients thanks to improved treatments. More women are living longer, and we are accelerating progress so that all women can live without the life-threatening power of MBC.”

The Janice Jam couldn’t happen without a group of talented, committed volunteers handling everything from event production to publicity, including Tami Eagle Bowling, who is currently living with metastatic breast cancer.

“I will never forget the day I heard the words that my breast cancer diagnosis was incurable because it had spread to my liver,” she said. “I am grateful for people like Matt and the incredible Broadway community who recognize that research is the only way to end death from breast cancer and give patients more time with their loved ones. The positive energy that fills the room at this event gives me hope.”

Purchase tickets for The Janice Jam or make a donation here.