Bruce McCready

Most of you know who Bruce McCready is and what he’s been going through, but for those who don’t, let me fill you in. Bruce is currently the Assistant Corps Director of The Brigadiers. He has been a drill arranger/instructor for numerous corps and color guards over the past 35 or so years. He – along with Brady Rouse – instructed the first ever Scholastic WGI World Champion Marcus Whitman Color Guard. He is a NY Federation Judge and has judged for DCA. He has taught many high school bands. He also is one of the nicest guys in the drum corps, marching band and visual performance activities.

A few months ago he went in for minor surgery and came out with a major diagnosis of both Pancreatic and Liver Cancer. Bruce is a fighter, but the doctors at University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial would not agree to an aggressive chemotherapy or radiation driven attempt to either cure his disease or at least prolong his life. Bruce has quite literally spent the last few weeks fighting for the right to fight for his life.

This week, the Doctors at Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo agreed to some highly aggressive treatment. There in lies the problem. Bruce has some basic medical insurance. However, the treatment the Roswell people are willing to try is too new and is NOT covered by any insurance. Bruce must pay for the procedure himself. Needless to say, it’s quite expensive. To make things worse, they must know where the money is coming from before they start the procedure. He needs to start this procedure immediately.

The Brigadiers have agreed to spearhead a fund raising drive to give Bruce the funds needed to proceed with this treatment – the funds he needs to mount the kind of fight Bruce feels he must. Call it the “drum corps” in him, but the man simply does not have an ounce of “quit” in him. He only knows to try his best on the competition field and in life. He will not quit until the Chief Judge declares the contest over.

The Brigadiers and all of Bruce’s friends are asking everyone in Drum Corps – including DCA, DCI, WGI and Field Band – to step in and assist Bruce in getting his chance to fight. Every little bit will help.

Donations are tax deductible and checks should be made out to The Brigadiers Music Association/McCready Fund. Please send your donations to: The Brigadiers Music Association/ McCready Fund, c/o Diann Meek, 2804 Latta Road, Rochester, NY 14612. Every penny donated will be immediately forwarded to Bruce and his family. Donations small and large would be most appreciated. We appreciate everyone helping one of Drum Corps’ real winners carry on the contest of his lifetime. If anyone can win this battle, it’s Bruce McCready.