Band touched by cancer plays at Roswell

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The sounds of the season can be heard at the Roswell Park Tree of Hope celebration, a cherished holiday tradition for so many people who have been affected by cancer.

"The Albrights" are a popular area band that has a very personal reason for wanting to play at the Tree of Hope ceremony.

Katie Panfil warmed up to the beat of Christmas classics with the band this week in South Buffalo. She's on stage with the indie-rock pop group for Friday night's tree lighting, a celebration she just happened to be in the crowd for last year. But at that time she had no idea her own family would soon be touched by cancer.

Panfil said, "I never ever ever would have thought any of this would happen to our family or anyone."

Her nephew Jack was born on December 18th. Just months later, he was diagnosed with neuoblastoma, an infant form of cancer. He would endure several rounds of chemotherapy.

"He's doing really well now. The tumors are shrinking on their own, miraculously so, we're really praying for him," said Panfil.

All four members of "The Albrights" have been affected by cancer as well, through close family members who have fought their own battles with the disease. It makes Friday night's performance truly something special.

Matthew Crane said, "When you're playing for a real honest reason and a good cause, it's almost the realist time you'll see musicians who care."