8 years ago I was diagnosed with bone cancer. I didn't know if I'd get to live another year. I was terrified, but music helped me make it through every day. In this time, I began learning guitar for the first time, singing in the hospital stairwells and writing songs.

I was lucky to have a lot of family, friend, mental and medical support over the course of my treatment and I believe strongly in how important love, care and creativity are for healing.

I'm starting this Ung Cancer fundraiser because they develop and maintain support programs for teens and young adults with cancer and during survivorship. This is important work!!

Why Avicii’s Wake Me Up?

Recently, I was invited to share my story and songs at Kopparberg Elementary School with the 11 yr old Kopparberg Kids Choir by Teacher Linnéa Didic. I asked them what they wanted to sing… and one girl raised her hand and said ”Avicii.. Wake Me Up” and so that’s what we did!

It felt right - an amazing, deep and powerful song about life, fear, uncertainty, youth, innocence and dreams. I felt called to sing it after my experience with bone cancer, watching my dad die, and finding salvation in music. I hope you like it. And I hope it makes a positive difference in this world!!!

I'm so lucky and grateful to be alive today and I hope my music and story are able to bring you some hope.

Love,

Daniel Ray Hilsinger