Southern rock band gives back to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

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It’s been nearly a decade since his daughter was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, and Brit Turner still has trouble talking about the experience of watching her battle cancer.  But that didn’t keep him from returning to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta recently and giving other young patients there an experience they’ll never forget.

Turner is a drummer for the chart-topper southern rock band Blackberry Smoke, and he and his bandmates visited the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta last week to deliver gift bags to patients and play some stripped down, soulful music in their rooms. 

Turner’s daughter Lana was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma in late 2009, with cancer discovered in 97 percent of her bone marrow. 

Today, Lana is a healthy 11-year-old, and Brit Turner says he’ll never forget the incredible care his daughter received at the hospital. 

"I don't know how they get their employees because I've never experienced anything like it, before or since," he said. "They're just the most caring people that you could imagine. It's almost like, you obviously don't want to be in the hospital with your kids, but you don't want to leave, because the care is so good."

Along with delivering gift bags and playing for patients, Blackberry Smoke delivered a $50,000 check to the hospital on Tuesday, signaling their pledge to match up to that amount in donations during the month of September. Those interested in making a donation may do so here.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken tagged along with the guys of Blackberry Smoke during their recent visit to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and got to see first-hand the joy it brought to the young fighters and their families there.