m.a.m.a. e a r t h is all about inspiring and empowering others with music, art, nature and service in our local and global communities. We encourage all of you to Get Involved and make a change for the better in your own community!
The m.a.m.a. e a r t h team crossed paths with a young man by the name of Kyle Grady and heard about his story and his love for music. We partnered up with good friend Davey G of GreenRoots Presents to set up a studio session at Revolver Studio in Thousand Oaks, CA to give Kyle a real experience of playing and recording. This is a young man with incredible spirit, talent and the definition of a positive attitude.
From Kyle: “I’m just an ordinary musician with an extraordinary spirit who hails from the Chicago area. Born in 1991, I was diagnosed with bilateral eye cancer at seven months old. After being the first infant ever to receive chemo for the disease, as well as having received multiple other treatments, I survived – but with limited vision (forever?). Growing up, I knew no limitations. I practiced martial arts and many sports but I mostly enjoyed playing piano and trumpet. I always dreamt of playing guitar at an early age yet was told by the band programs at school to “pick something you’ll be good at”. Nonetheless, I bought my first guitar at 12 and by 15, had my first band and multiple songs I’d written myself. By 17, I began playing shows locally and at charity events for cancer awareness. I balanced my teen years between writing songs, teaching martial arts and running the high school Chess Club. At 18, I took my martial arts training to the next level and traveled to Los Angeles to enter the “Compete” Nationals Martial Arts Championship where I took home two gold trophies for weaponry. At 19, I was faced with my biggest challenge yet, – an extremely rare case of aggressive nasal sarcoma with only approximately 25 known cases. Most people view cancer as a matter of life or death; I viewed it as a matter of life, plus some moral change or experience God felt I should have to help me in the long run. I found new inspiration in and through music during recovery, and after 22 hours of surgery and 7 chemos was declared a double survivor. I live each day through eyes of faith and believe steadfastly in the miraculous healing power of God. I’ve personally witnessed many unexplained healings already and firmly believe I will receive full sight once again; I tell this to my lifegroup every week.
After my recovery, I traveled to Los Angeles again and thanks to (m.a.m.a. earth founder) Kailani Bayot and (m.a.m.a. earth auntie) Suzanne Hollingshead and Davey G (of Greenroots Presents), I was given access to a full studio session at Revolver Studios in Thousand Oaks, CA, alongside an up and coming band from San Francisco, Alma Desnuda. The band is best known for their captivating harmonies, rhythmic grooves, and inspiring lyrics and is often described as California Acoustic Soul – a mix between Jack Johnson, Sublime and the Beatles. As for me, I’m currently writing new material in Chicago. I have one mission: to spread hope, joy and love to as many people as possible through music and through word of my life testimony. I’m eternally thankful to friends, family and everyone from m.a.m.a earth who’s helped me. I have high hopes for the future and eagerly look forward to becoming more involved in m.a.m.a. earth while pursuing a music career.”
Listen to Kyle and Alma Desnuda’s song HERE!
En memoriam: Kyle Grady passed away on August 3, 2012. He was very involved with One Step Camp. A lot of tough challenges come along with being a young cancer patient. Friends, school and sports are often replaced by doctor visits, sick days and chemotherapy treatments. One Step programs offer camp experiences and other educational and excursion programs throughout the year that allow children with cancer to just be kids.
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