Saskatoon woman with cancer gets wish to record album of classical music

SASKATOON – Marla Cole of Saskatoon has a lot of work this summer as she goes through her favourite compositions to chose the perfect songs for a professional recording and CD.

Around 12 years ago, Marla and her husband, Geoff, founded the Amati Quartet but soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“When I was first diagnosed my kids were five and seven and I was furious,” Cole said. “I was really angry. How could this happen? How dare my kids have to go through that?

“I think music has kept me going. I have played two concerts during my chemotherapy as well as other events. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and not sort of wallow in self pity.”

Cole went through treatment but this past December she went to the doctor with a bump on her head. The cancer had metastasized and was now in her skull. She quickly went into surgery, had 12 rounds of radiation and began chemotherapy.

During her treatment, Cole’s family contacted the Touchdown for Dreams program which is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Cameco.

The program grants wishes to women who have been diagnosed with life-threatening cancer.

For Cole, her wish was to record a professional album with the Amati Quartet.

“It’s something to look forward to,” she said. “It’s a reason to keep going, to get out of bed and have something to work on.”

The recording sessions began and will continue in September with all of the proceeds going to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

“I feel like it’s something that I can do (and) there are certain things right now that I cannot do,” she said. “Certainly I feel that the care that I have had has been incredible… and I am happy to give the proceeds of the CD sales back.”

The Amati Quartet’s album will be the music of Joseph Haydn and is expected out around Christmas.

(CKOM)