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Inside Look: George Stager
In June 2006, George Stager was looking forward to his 22nd birthday. What’s usually a happy occasion for many, Stager received news that would change his life forever. “When my doctor told me I had skin cancer, everything changed,” he says. What started as a routine checkup for acne, Stager’s doctor noticed a mole on his back and conducted a test for precautionary measures. A week later she informed him of the news. “For me, to hear the words that you have cancer, your whole body sinks as if you are a puddle on the ground, it is a sense of disbelief and a shock like you don’t know what your next steps are,” he explains.
Stager took his next steps both positively and eloquently by continuing with his life long passion for music and creating awareness about skin cancer. At the early age of 5 Stager started singing, which led him to perform in school plays, participate in choirs and winning state level competitions for opera. Today his musical influence is a mix of “Justin Timberlake, John Mayer, and some poetic fun.” This multitalented artist who has acting, poetry and modeling under his belt has performed all over the world including the Bahamas, Virginia, Florida and New York where he performed at Jay-Z’s Teen People Party in 2005.
To create awareness for skin cancer Stager, 24, is hosting SKIN, the more you show the more you know, a charity event that will inform individuals about skin cancer. “This event is going to be classy, yet seductive and sexy, there will be music, fashion and fun with a lot of surprises. People will be blown away,” he says excitedly. Stager has created the concept, designed the flyers, and secured all of the sponsors for this event. “I have been working so hard to bring this together and I am so [appreciative] of everyone who supported me. This event will connect and heal people as well as create awareness, all the donations collected that evening will go to Karmanos.”
With passion and a bright outlook on the future Stager knows his purpose is “to raise awareness and entertain.” To his knowledge, he is cancer free although he is at high risk. His advice for others that are diagnosed, “It is not the end, there are so many options that will save your life take it one day at a time because you can’t stop living.” The SKIN event will be a Via Nove in Ferndale on July 26. Tickets are $20. For more information on George Stager visit www.myspace.com/gstagermusic - -Yvelette Stines -Photography: Melissa Herndon
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