ORGANIZATION WORKS TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE TO CHILDREN LIVING WITH TERMINAL OR LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS
Living the Dream Foundation announces Pierce The Veil singer Vic Fuentes as CEO and Co-Chairman.
Since 2016, the gold-certified chart-topping artist has championed the non-profit, which helps children and young adults afflicted by life-threatening illnesses stay positive, maintain hope, and appreciate each and every day in the face of their afflictions. For the past three years, he served as an ambassador and now the organization proudly appoints him as its new leader.
As part of this appointment, he endeavors to utilize his platform to expand the influence and impact of Living The Dream Foundation.
“I love being a part of this foundation, because it’s so tangible and real,” Fuentes said. “It’s amazing that we actually get to see—in person—the faces of the people who we are trying to help. I’m excited to join forces with Scottie Somers and the entire Living The Dream Foundation team to continue their mission of inspiring hope and positivity in the lives of these people who need and deserve it most.”
Scottie Somers, Founder and Co-Chairman of Living The Dream Foundation, welcomed Fuentes warmly, saying, “Vic came into the picture in the most natural way: as an artist that cared, showed empathy towards, and did all that he could do to put smiles on the faces of our Living The Dream Foundation guests. Many guests would request to meet Vic and Pierce The Veil around the world, and evolved when Vic expressed a greater interest in doing more to help the mission. Several years after working together, I invited him to come on as an ambassador. These were just stepping stones to get to where we’re at today with Vic as CEO and Co-Chairman. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge, leadership skills, and great energy to our foundation. Because of this alliance, we couldn’t be happier. We will only continue to get stronger.”
Be on the lookout for more from Vic and Living The Dream Foundation soon, including further initiatives and campaigns.
ABOUT LIVING THE DREAM FOUNDATION:
Living the Dream, which was founded in June 2007 by Sommers, is known for providing rich and rewarding, #DREAMDAY experiences to children and young adults who are courageously battling life-threatening illnesses. A #DREAMDAY can include meet & greets with their heroes, VIP access to concerts and special events, hanging out behind the scenes, hospital visits, surprise gifts, and most importantly, lasting memories that the guests and their families will treasure forever. The organization works hand-in-hand with the music, sports, entertainment, and social media industries to create unique and impactful experiences for their guests. The overall goal is to help them understand and embrace the powerful message of truly “living the dream” each day, regardless of their affliction.
Somers, who lives with Cystic Fibrosis, understands first-hand the needs of terminally ill patients as well as the importance of a positive attitude. His early experiences playing in a band motivated him by giving him a new voice and a stage. He missed a total of three shows during his career due to his illness. He played many gigs with high fevers, pneumonia, pancreatitis and even performed while hooked up to IVs. “I wanted to show anyone out there in the crowd who may have been going through a hard time in their life, that they could do anything,” he said. Music soon became a major catalyst for him to form the Living The Dream Foundation to help those who were similarly battling for their lives. “I believe that CF has enriched my life; it has shaped me into the person that I am today.” Somers adds, ”Playing music made me feel as if I was truly ‘living the dream,’ despite all of my imposing obstacles. My hope for LTDF is that we can touch as many lives as possible, in the most encouraging way.”
LIVING THE DREAM TESTIMONIALS:
“Working with the LTDF has been more than an incredible inspirational journey for me. In my life and in my career, to see how music really does affect the world we live in, and how it changes lives touches me to my core, and is the reason I am in a rock band today. It would be impossible for me to express exactly how much joy LTDF has brought into my life, but it’s been constant. Thank you Scottie and thank you Living The Dream Foundation,” exclaimed The Used’s Bert McCracken
“The best part about having a platform is being able to use it to give back and Living The Dream Foundation has given our band some of the most meaningful opportunities of our career. The moments we share with LTDF guests are the highlights of each tour and the joy that they leave with is priceless. THANK YOU LTDF,” said Memphis May Fire singer Matty Mullins.
“When you see the smile on the dreamers backstage it can make the toughest day on tour make it all worthwhile. We sometimes take what we do for granted but when you can so easily brighten someone’s life, who has been dealt a bad hand, it is something we should not have a second thought supporting,” stated Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman.