This is what happens when 60 people from 12 nations come together to raise funds for two great teen cancer charities and to show what it's really like to live with cancer long term.

Episode 18 is a unique rock opera project unlike anything ever done in music before, uniting diverse talents from around the world to benefit to both Teen Cancer America and the UK's Teenage Cancer Trust.

***all music is currently available on most audio streaming apps as well as YouTube.***

(search for "Episode 18" by That Cancer Life)

the mission

Acknowledging that many potential donors may have only minimal interest in listening to the music more than once or twice (and music downloading not being an efficient way to raise funds), the music itself will be streamed for free on most music streaming services (including YouTube) with the goal instead to make donations to either or both the charities. Individuals who make a donation of $20 USD or 15GBP are entitled to a free digital download and to be mailed a printed eight-page booklet (both optional). Larger donations are both allowed and encouraged as appreciation of the efforts put forth by those behind the project as well as two great charities geared towards teenagers going through cancer treatment.

 

There may be a physical release and even a partial liv performance at some point base upon interest.

the story in a nutshell:

The rock opera follows the tale of a teen pop star named Brantaire who is diagnosed with brain cancer just as his group, The Muggles, is reaching a high level of international acclaim. The story follows his progression over several years from his initial diagnosis to the roller coaster ride back to some limited acclaim and a cancer reoccurrence that leads to his eventual death. The entire story is told in the form of a basic cable music documentary featuring narration and interview soundbites from theoretical fans, friends, and music experts, There are even a few fake commercials in between songs that add another layer to the overall story. 

about Episode 18

about the story

Production began in the Spring of 2020 with a not-so-serious video originally made for the now defunct YouTube Channel Brain Cancer Diaries. The video was intended to mostly be documentation of Rudy attempting to relearn how to play/write music again despite several physical deficits from dealing with a brain cancer diagnosis and a retrospective of his own life making music in a variety of non-commercially successful bands.

 

The original video can be viewed here:

youtu.be/Ek2XY3vRpm8?si=LZTtk977PA15FtRR 

 

The video was eventually moved to the new “That Cancer Life” channel on YouTube. Around the same time, Fischmann learned of Teen Cancer America (TCA) and the UK’s Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) as a result of befriending a large number of AYAs, and being a massive life-long Who fan, felt like the universe was sending him a message given The Who’s association with the rock opera format. As such, he decided to get more serious about the project and has consistently worked on the music as his energy and physical limitations allow.

Extended Story Details:

The production/soundtrack begins with a cold open that announces the beginning of a rock doc style program about notorious artists. In between the narrator teasing the program, the audience hears selected soundbites about what’s to come.

 

The story begins with a quick review of how the lead character rises to fame with his band before detailing the weeks that follow his diagnosis. We hear various characters talk and sing addressing medical and interpersonal issues: The shock of a diagnosis, financial woes, friends and bandmates moving on, the isolation and paranoia of an extended hospital stay, trying to make sense of a random event, etc.

 

Home from an extended hospital stay and mostly recovered from critical phase treatments (surgery, chemo, radiation), he tries to come to terms with his “new normal” which is anything but normal due to longterm physical deficits from life-saving treatments, the disappearance of his social circle, and heavy financial debt.

 

Time progresses within the story several years where Brantaire has come reasonably to terms with his situation but still struggles with his own self-identity. He’s improved considerably both physically and mentally after learning to adapt.

 

He eventually is contacted by a group of fans who urge him to try to return to music. He tries, faces many personal fears and doubts, and eventually scores a minor hit.

 

But just as things look up for him, cancer returns to his life and he is forced to face down his own mortality all over again. He quickly deteriorates and dies, but his story inspires many others to refuse to be defined by apparent limitations.