Our History
This choir began in September 2003 as a collaborative effort between the Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center of Grady Health System's Community Education & Outreach Initiative and Bosom Buddies of Georgia, Inc. as an innovative method of increasing awareness and education about the benefits of early detection.

In August 2005, the choir branched away from Winship Cancer Institute and became the signature program under Shades of Pink, Inc. The group was formerly known as "Metro Atlanta Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir" and decided to change its name to reflect their new home and expansion of their efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Founded in 2003 by Nichole Hancock, our signature program is the first ever Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir which is a type of music therapy for many of our members. This unique type of music therapy soothes the soul, by allowing one to testify through song how "they survived their storm." Susan Polis Schultz states, "Music transcends barriers among people." Music is a universal language that has the ability to reach a wide variety of individuals regardless of age, ability, or cultural background. Because of its versatility we have chosen to incorporate music and song as an instrument to increase awareness and education about breast cancer. Research has also shown that music therapy can also help people who have had cancer to feel less anxious and more relaxed, as well as feel less pain, which in turn can improve the overall quality of life for many of our members and other survivors.

Clad in burgundy and pink choir robes the Choir has performed for over 150,000 people across the country at over 30 venues since May 2004. The group has traveled to Alabama, Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. to spread their message of hope. Over the years the Choir has opened up for other well known celebrities and organizations such as:

American Cancer Society Amgen Pharmaceuticals Atlanta Braves Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Falcons Centers for Disease Contro CNN's 25th Anniversary Gospel harpist Jeff Majors Gospel Princess Vickie Winans

Motivational speaker Les Brown National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Novartis Pharmaceuticals Numerous church programs Piedmont Hospital Roberta Flack Sisters By Choice T.D. Jakes Mega Fest

In 2005, the Choir was nominated as Best Gospel Choir by the Gospel Choice Awards and was awarded the "Pink Badge of Courage Award" by Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips & Sisters by Choice. October 2006 the choir performed the Delta Airlines Halftime Show at the Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in front of a sold out crowd of 72,000.

Why a Mass Choir?
Susan Polis Schultz states, "Music transcends barriers among people." Music is a universal language that has the ability to reach a wide variety of individuals regardless of age, ability, or cultural background. Because of its versatility we have chosen to incorporate music and song as an instrument to increase awareness and education about breast cancer.

The Choir has performed for over 15,000 people across the country at over 30 venues since May 2004. The group has traveled to Texas, Alabama, Florida and Washington, D.C. to spread their message of hope. Over the years "Shades of Pink" has opened up for well known celebrities and organizations such as: Motivational speaker Les Brown, Roberta Flack, CNNs 25th Anniversary, T.D. Jakes Mega Fest, Gospel harpist Jeff Majors, Centers for Disease Control, Sisters By Choice, National Coalition of Cancer Survivors, American Cancer Society, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Amgen Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, as well as numerous hospital and church programs. The choir will perform the Delta Airlines Halftime show for the upcoming Atlanta Falcons game on October 22, 2006.

In 2005, over 1500 people supported the Choir at their Annual Benefit Concert with special guest gospel great Vickie Winans at the Woodruff Arts Center - Symphony Hall. During this same year the Choir was also nominated as Best Gospel Choir by the Gospel Choice Awards and was awarded the "Pink Badge of Courage" by Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips & Sisters By Choice.

What People are saying about The Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Survivors Choir

"You were up on stage for my sweet grandma, who I never me, who died of breast cancer in 1952. You were on stage for my beautiful, funny mom - a 14 year survivor. You were up there for all three of my aunts - all survivors - countless friends too. You made me laugh, cry and wish I could sing like you. You made me feel awed in your presence - and not just because you're survivors - but because you are a living testament to the spirit and love that can come from a loving group of women coming together to change the world.

The culmination of 5 months of work planning those meetings came for me right at the point that you walked out of that ballroom and into my arms. Thank you for beaming huge bolts of light wherever you go. You're made of stars..."
Sara Rhodes, Creative Director
Jack Morton Worldwide

"Thank you again for enabling Shades of Pink to work with Amgen at two of our recent sales meetings. Their performances have created lifelong memories for many of us who support healthcare providers and patients in their fight against cancer."
Hal Apple, Creative Strategy Manager
Amgen Marketing Operations

"Thanks again for being a part of our program -- it was an honor and pleasure to meet you and the wonderful women of Shades of Pink."
Jayne Solinger. Producer
"A Journey to Wellness: Breast Cancer
and the African American Community"
WABE 90.1 Radio

We dedicate all of our performances and efforts in the community to our friends and members that have gone before us:

Ms. Tosha Taylor, Alto 1970-2007 Ms. Myra Veal Fountain, Soprano 1948-2007 Ms. Renee Johnson, Alto 1960-2007 Ms. Sharon Brown, Soprano 1949-2007 Ms. Ocie "Ann" Rucker, Alto 1944-2006 Ms. Clara Walton, Soprano 1957-2006 Ms. Carolyn Cozart, Soprano 1964-2005 Ms. Mary Ann Wallace, Soprano 1942-2005

Special thanks to the following people and organizations for supporting the Choir:

Mt. Patmos Baptist Church
The Rucker Family
Dr. Rogsbert F. Phillips
Dr. Barbara Power, American Cancer Society
Don Rivers, Rivers Production
Karyn Greer, 11Alive/WXIA-TV
Roger Herr, InSight Out Productions
Tina Conway, Conway Designs
Paul Webb, Miracle Graphics