As an oncologist for UNMC/Nebraska Medicine, Greg Bociek, M.D., looks out for his patients.
He knows how tough the cancer battle can be, and he wants the road to recovery to be as smooth as possible.
Thinking of his patients, Dr. Bociek came up with a unique way that he could assist them. A musician dating back to his high school days in Canada, Dr. Bociek recently released his second CD.
He has decided to donate all proceeds from his CD sales to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Patient & Family Assistance Fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation.
“It’s tough for our patients,” Dr. Bociek said. “Many of them are hundreds of miles from home with limited resources and are going through the most stressful time of their lives.
“The money raised from the CD sales could help pay for meal tickets, an overnight stay, gas money — the little things that can be big blessings. It would help meet a big unmet need for our patients.”
The CD — called “October Flight” — is now available in the two hospital gift shops and at the Nebraska Medicine — Cancer Center at Village Pointe. It also can be purchased online here and is now available on iTunes and most other e-music platforms.
“I’m not a self-promoter,” said Dr. Bociek, who plays the keyboard and has a recording studio in his home. “Self-promotion is not in my genes.”
The CD contains 12 songs — 10 of them instrumental — and sells for $15 in the gift shops.
Thanks to synthesizers and special computer software, Dr. Bociek can literally play every instrument off his keyboard. Drums, trumpets, guitars – you name the instrument, Dr. Bociek can make the sound.
“Although it is probably fairly eclectic music to most, I would characterize it as easy listening/post rock,” said Dr. Bociek, an associate professor who specializes in treating patients with lymphoma.
His favorite song on the CD is No. 5, “David Meets Mark.” It honors two of Dr. Bociek’s musical heroes — David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Dr. Bociek learned to play the keyboard on his own after losing interest in formal piano lessons. Following high school, he played professionally for two years.
Now, with the holidays looming, he’d like nothing better than to sell a bunch of CDs. He knows some cancer patients who could use the help.