Musical Events

events by The Ryan Anthony Foundation

The Ryan Anthony Foundation

Music = Hope



The Ryan Anthony Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created in 2014 to manage and support Cancer Blows events. The foundation strives to keep expenses to a minimum and is managed by a talented team of volunteers so that the majority of money given is used for its true purpose – to improve cancer treatment outcomes and ultimately find a cure.


Ryan and Niki Anthony

Ryan began playing the trumpet at age 7. A child prodigy, while still in high school Ryan was honored as a Presidential Scholar; was only the second person in history to be awarded the prestigious Seventeen Magazine national solo competition Grand (the other winner was violinist Joshua Bell); and soloed with the Detroit Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra. Since graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Ryan has had a successful career as a trumpet soloist and clinician – soloing with major orchestras around the world; performing for several years with the Canadian Brass and now acting as Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Thanksgiving Week 2012, at age 43, Ryan received the unbelievable news that he had Multiple Myeloma. At the time of diagnosis his Kappa Light Chains were over 13,000 (normal is less than 19), his bone marrow was 80% cancer cells and included test results showing ‘high risk’ probability. He had his bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday and, on Thursday, played the National Anthem with the DSO to open the annual Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game at ATT Stadium.

Since diagnosis, Ryan has undergone an autologous Stem Cell Transplant and is currently in Complete Remission. He celebrates his 1-year “birthday” on April 19 and receives maintenance treatments at Baylor’s Charles A Sammons Cancer Center every other Friday.

Niki Anthony has over 20 years experience in Marketing and Events. She began her career in the gaming industry as Marketing and Entertainment Manager at resorts in Mississippi. After leaving the gaming industry in 1998, Niki helped form Ericson Group Inc, a Marketing & Entertainment consulting company, as Vice President/COO. After Ryan was diagnosed, Niki stepped back from her administrative work and now handles a number of national accounts.