welcome
We host music showcases for thyroid cancer.

how it began...

Established in 2012 by Nicole Richard and Christien Paul, Light For The Flight (LFTF) hosted a series of music showcases with the most brilliant local artists in Toronto, to raise funds and awareness about Thyroid Cancer. All proceeds were directed to Thyroid Cancer Canada, a registered Canadian charity.

Nicole’s personal journey with Thyroid Cancer began on her 30th birthday when she got the news of multiple tumours spreading to nearby lymph nodes. She underwent a total thyroidectomy, neck dissection and radiation. Thyroid Cancer Canada was a source of guidance in her journey. It was during this time that she, along with friend and gifted musician Christien, conceived the idea of LFTF.

woman with staples in her neck after thyroid cancer surgery

artists & sponsors

Over the years, LFTF hosted 3 successful events that brought the community together, only made possible with amazing artists and generous sponsors including the National Hockey League, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Music Week, Electronic Nation, Destiny Events and many more.

thank you!

Though we may no longer host events, we cherish the moments shared and remain deeply grateful for the support and experience, so the memories will remain honoured online here. Every single person involved has left an indelible mark on our hearts and we thank you for being a part of our story.

Sean Pinchin

The story-telling Folklore artist, Sean Pinchin, is best known for crafting warm and soulful sounds with nothing but his voice, harmonica and slide guitar. Using his music as therapy, every performance has an emotional delivery that any audience can feel and relate to. Born in Etobicoke in 1981 and raised

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Nala

Turning whispers into shouts and rumours into reality, NALA is getting noticed on the Toronto music scene. NALA is, of course, the alias of singer, songwriter & recording artist Nala Burdyna. With the help of emerging artists and industry veterans, NALA has molded a signature blend of RnB, NuJazz &

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Mike Celia

Mike Celia is a singer/songwriter from Mississauga, Ontario. He began his musical journey immediately upon returning from his travels across the better half of Europe in 2004. His experiences traveling with nothing but his backpack and a guitar strapped around his shoulders put him on the life changing journey which

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Mandippal

“One of TO’s more prolific singer-songwriters, continuing to be a pillar and mentor to the community” – Lonely Vagabond – Exclaim.ca From playing guitar in his Kitchener high school music class, to selling out hometown venues, to showcasing at major festivals, Mandippal has certainly come a long way in his

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Andrew Austin

Andrew Austin might be the most listened to musician in Canada you’ve never heard of. But that’s all about to change. The Toronto-by-way-of-Sarnia, singer-songwriter’s work has been featured on television shows, in films and in commercials but it’s the personal tales on his debut full length album While It’s Still

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After Runnymede

Christien Paul, artistic brainchild behind Toronto’s After Runnymede, has been a constant staple in the Canadian music scene even prior to his current project. He is the founder of Nautical Progressions – an award winning recording company that produces music, video, and web content for independent artists. Christien was also

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the thyroid gland

image of computer generated thyroid gland on a neck photo.

Imagine a butterfly-shaped gland nestled in the front of your neck. That's your thyroid gland! It's a powerhouse, controlling your metabolism, heart rate, and sensitivity to other hormones. Essentially, it's like your body's internal thermostat, helping regulate energy usage and vital functions.

Thyroid Cancer

While causes of Thyroid Cancer remain unclear, exposure to radiation is suspected to contribute. In the early stages, thyroid cancer often shows no symptoms. Neck lumps, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing can develop.

nodules

Many of us have thyroid nodules, which are usually harmless but should be evaluated by a doctor. Biopsy may be necessary to determine if they're cancerous. Fortunately, the majority of nodules are benign.

common types

There are several types of thyroid cancer, with papillary and follicular being the most common. Medullary and other less common forms also exist.

treatment

Treatment often involves surgery of partial or total thyroidectomy, depending on the severity and type of cancer. Hormone replacement therapy follows to maintain proper thyroid function.

risks

Thyroidectomy carries risks, including damage to nearby nerves and glands. Radioactive iodine treatment may needed to eliminate any remaining thyroid cells and reduce the chances of recurrence.

monitoring

After treatment, regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging help ensure ongoing thyroid health. This surveillance is crucial for catching any potential issues early on.

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