Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
But Banjos Saved My Life

An Award Winning, Inspirational True Story
Keith Alessi playing a banjo

Community

The organizations featured on this Community page have been invaluable partners in the cause "Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life." Their support has been instrumental in raising awareness, providing resources, and empowering individuals facing cancer and other major life challenges. Here you'll find playlists of Music You Might Like, information on The Crooked Road, the Floyd Country Store, and Esophageal Cancer Resources.

Floyd Country Store

Floyd Country Store Entrance.

Venture into the Floyd Country Store, a legendary emporium of Appalachian music and culture. Browse through an extensive collection of CDs, DVDs, and instruments, and let the friendly staff guide you through the region's musical treasures. Attend a live performance or take a lesson from a local musician, and experience the heart of Appalachian music firsthand. Read about some of the music programs at the Floyd Country Store here and listen to the music you would hear at the Floyd Country Store here!

The Crooked Road

Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of The Crooked Road, a vibrant network of cultural centers and performance venues spanning the heart of Appalachia. Discover the raw, authentic sounds that have captivated audiences for generations, from traditional bluegrass to soulful folk ballads.

The Crooked Road logo.

Cancer Resources

Sophie's Place

Sophie's Place entrance with banner across the front.

Sophie’s Place at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the sixth in the nation, is a dedicated music therapy environment to promote creative expression, safety, and solace for patients and their families throughout the healing process.

Esophageal Cancer Action Network

ECAN was created with the primary goal to raise awareness of the risk of Esophageal Cancer posed by persistent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as GERD). While increased awareness remains ECAN’s primary focus, educating patients about their options for prevention, early detection and treatment has become a priority. ECAN has become a trusted and reliable source for the latest in medical research affecting those at risk for Esophageal Cancer.

ECAN educational graphic.