British Columbia resident Marty Edwards was “living the dream.”
For the past 20 years, he has been recognized as the number one international Kenny Rogers impersonator. Edwards has even met Kenny Rogers twice.
However, in January of 2016, the dream had a rude awakening. Edwards was diagnosed with colon cancer, requiring major surgery.
“Cancer is unpredictable and a life-changer, forcing one to confront one’s own mortality,” said Edwards.
The first six to eight weeks post-surgery made Edwards question whether he would survive, let alone perform again. Not only did he survive, he is back touring and doing what he loves.
Edwards has become an evangelist for early detection. He urges people 50 years of age or older to talk to their doctor about the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which is the first step in detecting the possibility of cancer, long before any symptoms show. Edwards said, “cancer was literally draining the life out of me and I didn’t realize it.”
Edwards plays the role of Kenny Rogers in the touring show Together Again which is the No. 1 international tribute to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, produced by Schell Shock Entertainment and TCB Rock &Roll Legends.
The tour is helping raise money for the BC Cancer Foundation and Colorectal Cancer Research, as well as creating an awareness of the disease. In the words of Marty Edwards, “With early detection, colon cancer can be beaten – I am living proof.”
“TOGETHER AGAIN” is touring British Columbia, stopping in the following communities:
Oct. 4: Duncan
Oct. 5: Campbell River
Oct. 7: Victoria
Oct. 10: Chilliwack
Oct. 11: Maple Ridge
Oct. 12: Nelson
Oct. 13: Castlegar
Oct. 14: Cranbrook