On June 7, 2014 at Saddleback College, Bones West, a trombone choir playing in a Big Band Style, will grace the American Cancer Society’s 20th Relay for Life of Mission Viejo. Founded by George Roberts in 1980, Bones West is a volunteer community music group. Its purpose is for advancing trombone performance and fellowship. Players range from high school age and into the 70s.
According to Michael McGuire, trombone player and a cancer survivor, there could be as many as 18-24 members joined by a rhythm section consisting of bass, piano and percussion. They will entertain us from 12:15- 1 pm.
In December 2011, McGuire was diagnosed with cancer and went through two surgeries to remove a large, mass that inhibited the base of his tongue and neck. With a cancer surgery of this nature you are dealing with complex issues- cosmetic and functional. Surgery impacts how a patient will eat, speak and swallow. Traditionally, it requires the jaw bone to be split and even teeth to be removed.
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Taking control, McGuire had a cutting edge surgery called Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) performed at the University of Pennsylvania. The advantages to TORS versus a more traditional surgical approach is it doesn’t require the jaw to be split, avoids a tracheotomy, less pain, shorter hospital stay, return to normal speech and swallowing more quickly. It even allows the patient to avoid radiation and the side affects.
At the University of Pennsylvania’s, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Weinstein and Dr. O’Malley developed the world's first TORS in the Fall of 2004. They received approval from the FDA to perform TORS.
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In December of 2009 the FDA approved the use of the Da Vinci surgical system using RevoLix laser to perform TORS for selected malignant lesions of the throat and voice box as well as all benign tumors. The surgeon controls the robotic arms. Drs. Weinstein and O’Malley teach the teachers in the only training program for TORS in the world.
As a trombone player you have to ‘buzz’ your lips and toot on the mouthpiece. Today, McGuire is healthy and hitting all the high notes. In January 2013, he had a Pet Scan that was clear- no cancer and it was confirmed with a MRI.
Michael McGuire, we celebrate you! Thank you, Bones West for entertaining us again this year. Don’t miss Bones West at Relay for Life, a 24-hour overnight event will be held at Saddleback College track, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, MV, CA 92692 on June 7 from 9 am to June 8 at 9 am.
For more information or to register for the event, go to www.mvrelay.org, www.facebook.com/mvrelay or twitter @mv_RelayForLife.
If you have any questions, want to learn about committee positions, volunteer opportunities or just have fun, please call Margot Ferron, Publicity Chair at 949/309-1235, gomargotgo@aol.com
