The purpose of The Brit Turner Family Fund is to provide funding for CURE’s research initiatives and patient and family support.
The Brit Turner Family Fund
In late 2009, Brit Turner, Drummer of Rock Band Blackberry Smoke, was on tour in Europe when he was given devastating news. His daughter had been diagnosed with Stage-4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue. Only three at the time, tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body. Brit and his wife Shannon were devastated but resolved to fight the disease. And in 2011, after years of treatment, The Turner family finally received some good news that her cancer had gone into remission. It was at that point that Brit’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of children was born. Initially, Brit and his band Blackberry Smoke leveraged their building fame, to generate donations from their growing fanbase to contribute to children’s cancer research.
In late 2009, Brit Turner, Drummer of Rock Band Blackberry Smoke, was on tour in Europe when he was given devastating news. His daughter had been diagnosed with Stage-4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that develops from nerve tissue. Only three at the time, tumors had taken over 97 percent of her body. Brit and his wife Shannon were devastated but resolved to fight the disease. And in 2011, after years of treatment, The Turner family finally received some good news that her cancer had gone into remission. It was at that point that Brit’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of children was born. Initially, Brit and his band Blackberry Smoke leveraged their building fame, to generate donations from their growing fanbase to contribute to children’s cancer research.
Through Blackberry Smoke, Brit orchestrated the raising and donating of over $700,000 to childhood cancer organizations. But numbers, impressive as they are, fail to capture the essence of Brit’s impact. It was in the quiet, often anonymous acts of kindness that Brit’s true character shone brightest. When we shared tales of families in need, Brit’s eyes would immediately well up. His response was always the same: “What can we do to help?”
Even when faced with his own glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022, Brit’s resolve to help children with cancer only strengthened. He approached his own battle with the same courage and grace he had witnessed in so many children, all while continuing his mission to support others.
Through Blackberry Smoke, Brit orchestrated the raising and donating of over $700,000 to childhood cancer organizations. But numbers, impressive as they are, fail to capture the essence of Brit’s impact. It was in the quiet, often anonymous acts of kindness that Brit’s true character shone brightest. When we shared tales of families in need, Brit’s eyes would immediately well up. His response was always the same: “What can we do to help?”
Even when faced with his own glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022, Brit’s resolve to help children with cancer only strengthened. He approached his own battle with the same courage and grace he had witnessed in so many children, all while continuing his mission to support others.
The Brit Turner Family Fund at CURE will continue his legacy, helping children and families who need it most. But perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay to Brit is to approach our mission with the same love, empathy, and selflessness that he exemplified every day. In loving memory of Brit Turner (1967-2024) – a devoted father, a talented musician, a tireless advocate, and a true friend to all who knew him and to countless others he never met but held close to his heart.
