Hibiscus and Rosehips was created to support the Lymphoma charity 'The Hibiscus Fund for Hope' with music community related events. The Hibiscus Fund supports people going through Lymphoma Cancer treatment in countless amazing ways that are not covered by the health system, to help ease the burden of what life turns into while undergoing Cancer treatment. They help provide drugs that are key to treatment that are not covered by OHIP and are incredibly expensive, along with helping single parents who suddenly find they need to have their children in day care and simply don't have the money. They make it possible for patient's families to be with them while undergoing treatment by helping to pay travel costs and lodging. They provide support in so many other overlooked areas to ease the difficulties of life while undergoing Cancer treatment.

The fund was created by John "Russ" Koshan who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in January 2000. As he was going through treatment he realized the hardships that people and patients around him were facing and felt very strongly that everyone should have the best possible chance of being cured while having all the support around them that they need, and that a lack of resources should never prevent this.

Unfortunately, John passed away on February 16th, 2001 after his long battle with Cancer. John lives on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends and also in the gratitude of so many patients that the Hibiscus Fund has and will continue to help in the time they most need it.

Hibiscus and Rosehips' first event will be a Folk Tea Party bake sale in April 2009.
The idea was born when Tracy Nagy, nurse practitioner of the Lymphoma Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, asked Lymphoma patient and musician Erin Lang as she was ending her treatment if she would be interested in helping to raise funds for the Hibiscus Fund by playing shows.

Diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in October 2007 Erin continued to play shows throughout her treatment and Tracy would often attend despite the long and demanding work hours. Tracy and Erin's passion for music inevitably led to a creative collaboration towards Lymphoma support. Erin was thrilled and honored to be part of such an amazing cause and started to have ideas for events that would be creative and different and also family friendly since she was often asked by young teenagers and kids when they would ever be able to see her play.

Hibiscus and Rosehips will hopefully be the first in a series of events and a Cd compilation of songs from many of the bands involved with the event, will bear the same name. 'Hibiscus and Rosehips Compilation'.
All proceeds of the event and sales of the Cd will be donated to the Hibiscus Fund For Hope.

Visit the the Hibiscus Fund For Hope's website to learn more about the fund or visit the volunteer page to get involved.

Thank you for your support.

Erin Lang