Chelmsford Family has “A Million Dreams” of a Cure for Cancer

When Voices of Hope performed their first show a decade ago to raise money for cancer research, they thought it was a one time fundraiser. They were wrong.

Since 2009 Voices of Hope has donated nearly $700,000 dollars to cancer research.

On October 12th, Voices of Hope (VOH) will present its 10th anniversary Fall Gala “A Million Dreams” to benefit the Termeer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.

VOH is made up of more than 150 local volunteers, from Greater Lowell to the Merrimack Valley, and from the North Shore to Southern New Hampshire. More than 100 members will take the stage at the North Shore Music Theatre to perform in “A Million Dreams”.

Among these multi-talented performers is Chelmsford resident Diane Meehan, whose whole family will be part of VOH's “A Million Dreams”. By day, Diane is Director of Business Development for Pepperlane, which supports women-owned micro-businesses. But most nights and weekends—from now till October 12th—you'll find her rehearsing at “The Nest”, VOH’s studio located at the Everett Mill in Lawrence. Diane has been with Voices of Hope for almost 10 years and is so excited to share this experience with her entire family.

“Voices of Hope holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just a performance group or even a fundraising organization—it's a family," Diane says. She continues, “Having Kenny and the girls become part of this extended family, connected by our love for music and passion for the cause, creates even stronger bonds between us. And now, whether we're in Chelmsford or rehearsing at the VOH Nest, we're home.” Diane will be featured in the musical numbers “Hear My Song” and “Jet Set” in the October 12th Gala.

Kenny Meehan, a Chelmsford Police officer, has been a supporter Voices of Hope for many years but in this past year has become a more active member. In the spring he was featured in the VOH production of “Titanic the Musical”

“This group really does promote a feeling of family. I think this really comes from the fact that it is not just about a single show or performance. That is just the mechanism we use for the overlying mission of raising money for cancer research. It is using our talents in a way that makes a difference in a way different than other groups.” Kenny said reflecting back on the last year, “Not to minimize other theatre groups and the positive impact the arts have on the lives of others, performers and audience alike. But it is nice to have a very clear mission that we are all working towards. It bonds us closer together beyond a single performance.” Kenny will be the featured vocalist in the musical number, “Morning Glow”.

Daughter Eliana Lantheaume, 17, is a senior at Chelmsford High School. “My mom performed with VOH when I was little, and I was really excited to be part of it when I was older. I love to sing, and everyone is really dedicated to the cause.” Eliana will have a featured solo in the musical number “Faith” at this year’s Gala.

Twelve year old Madelyn, is a 7th grader at McCarthy Middle School. She has performed in several VOH productions including last summer's youth show “You're A Good Man Charlie Brown”. Youngest daughter Liora, 7, is in 2nd grade at the Center Elementary school and will be making her VOH debut with this Gala. Both younger girls will be performing in the “kids” number “It's Possible” from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.

Madelyn says, “Voices of Hope is special to me because I know that I'm doing more than a school club. I like to think that I'm putting a little more good in the world by raising money for cancer research.”

And Liora shared her thoughts as well, “My first time on stage was when I was in my mom's belly when she sang with VOH! I like being there and singing.”

Inspired by the song from“The Greatest Showman", Voices of Hope’s 2019 Fall Gala, A Million Dreams, will draw on the stories of dreamers. On Saturday, October 12th, we invite you to share a musical celebration of those stories at North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) in Beverly.

A Million Dreams will deliver an evening filled with a blend inspirational songs and stories of dreams come true. The performance will feature a mix of personal and historical examples of success and accomplishment achieved through passion, drive, and perseverance. You’ll be inspired, motivated, and encouraged to see how one man’s dream—fueled by contagious optimism and a clear vision—has sent ripples of hope throughout the cancer community.

The VOH Gala Celebration, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 pm in the theatre lobby, followed by the performance of A Million Dreams at 8 pm. Proceeds from the show support cutting-edge work being conducted at the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. Tickets for the event are: $40, $50, and $75 (includes VIP reception) and can be purchased by contacting the theatre box office by phone at 978-232-7200, online at www.nsmt.org, or in person at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA.
More information is available at www.voicesofhopeboston.org