Blackberry Smoke is an iconic Southern rock band from Atlanta, formed in 2001 by Charlie Starr, Paul Jackson, and Smyrna natives Brit and Richard Turner. In December 2009, Brit and Shannon Turner’s only child, Lana, was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue. Only 3 at the time, tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body. On tour in Europe when Shannon called with the terrible news, Brit immediately left the tour and came home to be by Lana and Shannon’s side, where he stayed while Lana bravely fought the disease.

Thankfully, Lana survived and today at age 13 is doing great.

“I learned a lot from this experience,” Brit shares. “Life is 10 percent what is thrown at you and 90 percent how you are able to react. A lot of people are responsible for helping us react. They continue to help by purchasing Blackberry Smoke meet and greet packages. We use that money to donate to research because all children deserve the chance to grow up and live life like Lana is doing.”

Since 2011, Blackberry Smoke has donated more than $400,000 to childhood cancer organizations. The money raised is largely a result of meet and greet packages purchased by fans. The band also hosted the Blackberry Smoke Ride for CURE in 2019 and plan to make it an annual event.

CLICK HERE for more information and to donate to The Blackberry Smoke Fund, providing funding for CURE Childhood Cancer’s research initiatives and patient and family support.

Cox Media Group