On this episode of Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation Podcast, we have a special guest, Lauren Hart. You may know her as the voice behind the national anthem at Philadelphia Flyers home games, but Lauren is also a survivor of her own cancer battle and has been an advocate for cancer patients and their families for years. 



Lauren Hart has sung the national anthem before Philadelphia Flyers games since 1997. In 1999 (at the age of 25), shortly after her father, Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Gene Hart, had died from cancer, Lauren was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

From there, in Lauren’s own words:

She “Got sick, got dropped from her record label, got better, started working with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Pennsylvania Hospital Cancer Center. 

Was “Elected to the Board of Governors of the National Recording Academy and served two years as vice president. 

“Start recording on her own and independently put out three CDS: PAINTED BRIDE, GIRL KEEPS ON and 5 LIFETIMES. 

Appeared (well, can be heard) in the Disney movie MIRACLE about hockey and she sang…the national anthem! 

Got a tv show - “10!” on NBC – co-hosted in the mornings with Bill Henley. 

She then met her (future) husband, Todd Carmichael of La Colombe Coffee Roasters, when he was a guest on Lauren’s show. 

In 2005 Lauren married Todd, and shortly thereafter released her fourth CD, GOOD THINGS. 

All while still singing for the Flyers, and writing music for some documentary films. 

Lauren then won the LA Cinema Film Festival Award for Best Documentary, RACE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE EARTH. 

Lauren’s passion for music is matched only by her passion for the charitable organizations she is committed to – MOMS DEMAND ACTION, EVERYTOWN, INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION, and the Gene Hart Memorial Fund where she helps oversee college scholarships and contributes to cancer research and patients. 

Lauren is on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (known for the Grammy Awards) and is the chapter's Vice President. She also sits on the board of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has been on advisory boards for both Pennsylvania Hospital and The Philadelphia Zoo, and is an honorary Board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Southern NJ. In 2007, Lauren was honored by the Society with its prestigious “Person of the Year” Award. She was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Friends of the American Cancer Society in 2010.  

Lauren's voice, her courage, and her unwavering spirit have made her a beacon of hope for the cancer community. She's performed at countless cancer-related events, including “Hockey Fights Cancer,” using her talent to bring joy and inspiration to others.

In this episode, we will hear Lauren's inspiring story and how she has since dedicated her life to helping others going through the same thing. Join us as we speak to Lauren about her journey and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

We're honored to have her here with us on this episode.

Join us on this journey of hope and progress. Subscribe to Believe in Progress, the AACR Foundation's podcast, today, and be inspired by the incredible stories of those who have faced cancer with strength and resilience, and the medical professionals who are working to find new treatments and ultimately a cure.

Please do not forget to visit www.aacr.org to make a donation or to find helpful information and resources. Together we can make progress in the fight against cancer and bring hope to those who need it most. Please don't forget, cancer research saves lives.

For more information visit the AACR and our podcast here: https://www.aacr.org/get-involved/believe-in-progress-an-aacr-foundation-podcast/

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