The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research announced Rally Idol 2, a rocking night of live musical performances is scheduled for Saturday, January 28. “Rally Kids,” kids who are fighting or who have fought cancer, will be the stars of Rally Idol 2 as they take the stage in front hundreds of fans at The Buckhead Theatre to perform “American Idol-style” with a live band. American Idol alumni Clark Beckham, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams and Anthony Fedorov will act as celebrity judges, giving their feedback after each performance. The live audience at the Buckhead Theatre will “vote” on their phones throughout the evening to support childhood cancer research. Each vote is a donation and every Rally Kid is a winner!

This very special event wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for two East Cobb teenagers, Emily and Courtney Roach. As volunteers for the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Emily and Courtney, got to know many families fighting this disease, and also became friends with these “Rally Kids.” Some Rally Kids have succeeded in beating their cancer, and sadly, some have earned their angel wings.

Heartbroken by their difficult treatments and uncertain outcomes, a few years ago, Emily and Courtney Roach, were inspired to find a bigger way to join the fight. Led by big sister Emily, the Roach family began brainstorming ideas during road trips and around the dinner table. Soon the idea for a Rally Idol concert was born, with Rally Kids performing in American Idol-style – with a live band, a panel of judges, and a crowd of cheering fans. On March 21, 2014, at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, five Rally Kids performed for a sold-out crowd. The Rally Kids magical performances inspired and moved those in attendance all to tears of celebration, while a huge community of support raised nearly $60,000 for childhood cancer research! In the months that followed, Rally granted these funds to Dr. Saro Armenian at the City of Hope National Medical Center.

The support arrived just as his current funding had been depleted. The Rally grant enabled Dr. Armenian to begin his first clinical trial in reducing life-threatening heart disease, often a side effect in children fighting cancer. Those trials have now expanded to children around the country!

Now, the younger sister, Courtney, currently a seventh-grader, is taking the family lead to create another Rally Idol concert! She is eager to introduce her Rally Kid friends Meredith, Gage, McKenzie, Mary Tipton, Audrey, and Ruby. They are each fighting or beating childhood cancer, and Meredith and McKenzie will perform in memory of their angel-sisters, Kylie and Hailey. Rally Idol will also be more than just one night of celebration. The backstories and videos of the Rally Kid performers are available online at RallyIdol.org, along with a social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. “We’ll share their passion for music and their fight against cancer. And we’ll highlight the Rally Foundation and why research makes a difference,” says Courtney.

Once the site is launched, followers can start making a difference by casting a $10 vote at RallyIdol.org. They can vote once, or vote a thousand times to cheer on any or all of the Rally Kid performers! Supporters can also buy tickets and t-shirts for the event. “We are hopeful the community will show these kids its support as they rally for cancer research,” says Courtney.

Tickets for Rally Idol 2 are $20 for single admission and $80 for a family pass. To learn more about Rally Idol 2 or to purchase tickets, visit RallyIdol.org or follow @RallyIdol on Facebook and Twitter.

“There will be much to celebrate – Courtney’s and Emily’s vision, stars giving back and talented kids affected by cancer pursuing their dreams,” said Dean Crowe, CEO and Founder of the Rally Foundation.

The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Rally received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence and GuideStar Valued Partner seal, and according to independently audited financials, 93 cents of every dollar raised, supports Rally’s mission. For more information, visit RallyFoundation.org.

Photo above taken at the last Rally Idol 2 band practice. Front Row (L-R): Rally Kid Meredith Myers, Courtney Roach, Rally Kid Kenzie Trainer, Rally Kid Mary Tipton Carter; Second Row (L-R): Rally Kid Bailey Moody, Rally Kid Ruby Kaufman, Emily Roach, Rally Kid Audrey Arrowood, Ryan Elwart; Back Row (L-R): Geoff Melkonian and Webb Vandiver.