Wife of Acclaimed Musician and Colon Cancer Awareness Advocate James Casey Announces Charity Initiative to Honor His Birthday, Created in Partnership with Association of Black Gastroenterologists & Hepatologists (ABGH)
New York, NY (Feb. 4, 2025): In loving memory of celebrated saxophonist James Casey, who passed away from early onset colon cancer in 2023, today – Feb. 4, on Casey’s birthday – his wife announces the inaugural James Casey’s Birthday Benefit auction and screening drive, created in partnership with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH).
Combining both music and advocacy, much as Casey did, the initiative will feature a dual charity auction and screening drive this February. The auction will feature exclusive, one-of-a-kind collectors items generously donated by artists like Trey Anastastio and Dave Matthews. Proceeds from the event will directly support colorectal cancer screening services for uninsured individuals via Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), an organization helping to ensure that more people have access to early detection methods.
Auction highlights include a custom, signed guitar from Dave Matthews; a special VIP package from Trey Anastasio, which includes tickets, access to soundcheck and meet and greet with Anastasio on a date of the winner’s choice during his acoustic tour; and a drumhead signed by Phil Lesh, Casey and other Phil Lesh & Friends band members during the sold-out December 2022 shows at the Warfield in San Francisco. A full inventory list available to view HERE. Bidding opens virtually Feb. 25 at 12pm and will be available through 8pm on March 2. Those wanting to support the benefit’s cause can also donate via GiveButter.com HERE.
To cap off the auction, and to kick off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, ABGH will host a virtual webinar and screening drive in honor of Casey’s life and legacy on Sunday, March 2 titled, “Your Health, Your Voice: Knowing the Signs of Colorectal Cancer and Taking Action.” The event aims to have a real conversation about colorectal cancer trends and risks, especially among young people. The dialogue will feature expert gut health physicians, as well as Casey’s friends and fellow artists – The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Louis Cato and Jennifer Jones, the first Black Radio City Music Hall Rockette and colorectal cancer survivor who appeared in Casey’s “New Bloom” music video. ABGH thought leaders will discuss early screening options, disseminate resources and hold an interactive Q&A. The webinar is free and open to the public, and those in attendance can anonymously submit questions for the panel upon registration.
ABGH became one of Casey’s closest allies during his two-year fight against colorectal cancer, and the nonprofit continues to be a valuable resource in the ongoing fight against this very common disease that is preventable in most individuals. RSVP to attend the webinar HERE.
“Because colon cancer is almost always treatable when caught early, James shared his story in hopes that others might avoid his fate,” his wife Ayla Casey shares. “Thank you all for the continued support you’ve shown for James and this mission. We hope this initiative will make a positive impact on our community and amplify James’ message as we celebrate his life, music and legacy.”
“ABGH is grateful for the support of Colorectal Alliance (CCA), Fight CRC, Olympus, and Ayla Casey for helping to spread awareness about this incredible event, and their tireless work in the fight against this disease that is preventable, beatable, and treatable for so many,” shares ABGH President and Co-Founder Dr. Sophie Balzora, who worked closely with James Casey throughout his cancer battle.
A longtime resident of New York City, James Casey was an established multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist. Widely known for his saxophone performances with Trey Anastasio Band, Meghan Trainor and members of the Grateful Dead like Phil Lesh & Friends and Billy and the Kids, James Casey recorded and released his first studio albums soon after learning of his late-stage cancer diagnosis in 2021. His Christmas album, A Little Something For Everyone, released in December 2022 and garnered praise on NPR Jazz Night in America’s holiday playlist. Then, in between chemotherapy treatments, James Casey recorded and released “New Bloom”, the first single from his original solo debut album, The Kauai Project. “New Bloom” and its poignant lyrics became a mantra for James Casey that year. The single landed on NPR Staff Picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2023 and its creation was shared in a segment on The Today Show. He released two more singles “E.J.B.M.” and “Outside” before his health took a turn. James Casey passed away from colorectal cancer at age 40 on August 28, 2023. One year later, The Kauai Project EP released posthumously and landed on first-round ballots for the 2025 Grammy nominations. While the album made his final mark on the music landscape, James Casey’s legacy and advocacy lives on with those who continue to draw inspiration and insight from his incredible story.
To learn more about James Casey, his cancer battle and how it intersected with his musical journey, watch the docu-short Music As Medicine: A James Casey Story and visit his official website www.jamescaseysax.co for music, merch and more.
About Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH)
The Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) is a non-profit organization founded in 2021 by gastroenterologists and hepatologists from across America for the purpose of addressing healthcare disparities in gastrointestinal and liver diseases disproportionately affecting Black communities. Their work seeks to promote health equity among Black communities; advance science and develop the careers of Black gastroenterologists, hepatologists and scientists; and improve gastrointestinal health outcomes in Black communities through a network of support, resources and expert knowledge.
About Fight Colorectal Cancer
Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) is a leading patient-empowerment and advocacy organization in the United States, providing balanced and objective information on colon and rectal cancer research, treatment, and policy. We are relentless champions of hope, focused on funding promising, high-impact research endeavors while equipping advocates to influence legislation and policy for the collective good. Learn more at FightCRC.org.
###
Comments