Angels 4 Ana Concert June 7th

How often have you felt like you would do something to help, but you just didn't know what to do?

I am inspired by my friend Daniel Tatar. A friend of his, Ana Adame, was diagnosed with late-stage lymphoma this last February, and according to Daniel, "her fears were not for herself, but for her son and his future. The cancer treatments have been extensive and intense, keeping her away from work and family."

It's heartbreaking to hear about anyone struggling with the burden of medical expenses (even with health insurance, thank you America), but as a mother I am especially moved by her concern for her child. And so was Daniel, who took the "how can I help?" question and provided an answer.

Daniel called me a few months ago and said he wanted to put together a benefit to raise money for Ana to help offset her medical expenses and provide her some financial relief. If he just gathered all his friends in the same place and had them perform, and sold tickets, surely that would amount to something. We've all talked about doing it for this cause or that cause. Daniel actually did it, and it's turned into a beautifully produced, highly professional benefit.

So, I'm performing, and I roped my husband (Jason Robert Brown) into coming, too, as well as my gal pal Susan Egan. And we're on the same bill as Ana Ortiz (from Ugly Betty) and Megan Hilty (Wicked) and Steve Kazee (Spamalot) and Luke Menard (American Idol) and Valerie Perri (Evita) and Michelle Duffy (Can-Can). Cuz Daniel has some fancy friends.

It's going to be a great evening of showbiz, but what's especially unique about this evening is the extremely personal way it came to be. I don't yet know Ana, but I know Daniel, and I'm amazed at what he's managed to pull together in such a short time. If I were in need, I hope someone would be so committed about figuring out how to help me.

If you can make it, please come. It's in Pasadena on June 7th. Details here. There's a silent auction (7 pm) and a concert (8 pm). (I'm singing one of my own songs and performing with Susan.) But if you can't make it, maybe you can make a donation. For Daniel. For Ana.