Susan Braden The Woman Behind “Because I Can, Sir”

Susan Braden – The Woman Behind “Because I Can, Sir”

In March 2015, Susan Braden heard the words no
one wants to hear, “You have cancer.”

After the initial shock of learning that she had
cholangiocarcinoma, Susan’s determined spirit
and creative drive were set in motion. She
found a way to give her cancer a purpose and
to inspire others.
It started with her journal. “I turned to journal
writing as a way to process my emotions,” said
Susan. “My cancer is so rare – literally a one-ina-million diagnosis. And, it was so easy to ask,
‘Why me?’ Once the initial shock passed, I began
to refect on my journal, and I used some of my
thoughts to compose four songs. That got the
ball rolling for what would eventually become a
one-woman show.

“I have always been a performer,” Susan
continued. “My background includes musical
composition and arrangement, soprano concert
artist, voice teacher, pianist, jingle singer and
actor. That’s who I am. After my diagnosis,
I made a conscious decision not to let my
cancer re-defne me. Instead, I wanted to use
it to help others.”

Susan turned to a friend in New York. “My friend
was a Broadway performer and has also directed
many shows, including some that we’ve worked
on together. She reviewed the songs I wrote and
encouraged me to pull together the show. When I
performed an industry show in New York for other
actors, directors and producers, the reception
was warm and accepting. They encouraged me to
get my message in front of others.”

Because I Can, Sir is a performance
that combines musical talent with
self-effacing humor, wit and faith. “I
performed my frst show at a church
in Arkansas in May 2016, and since
then – I’ve juggled performing with
chemotherapy,” said Susan. “I’ve
performed for audiences in New York,
Utah, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Florida, Virginia and I’m excited to be
coming to North Carolina in September.

“My medical team offers incredible
support, and I’m grateful for them,”
continued Susan. “However, I know that
a cancer diagnosis is more than a team
of doctors. Cancer is a deeply personal
experience – for both the patient and
the patient’s family and friends. Cancer
patients have to become active warriors
in their respective cancer-battles.
But, despite almost 1.8 million cancer
diagnoses in this country every year,
so many people feel isolated and alone
after their diagnosis.”

Through Because I Can, Sir – Susan
has found a way to live in the moment
and celebrate today. “There’s no point
in focusing on an ‘expiration date’
unless it’s on a milk carton,” said Susan.
“Every day I wake up is a gift from
God, and I’m going to make the most
of every day He gives me. If I can help
others to understand that they aren’t
alone in their pain, anxiety or fear, then
I feel that I’ve won.”

Susan continues to be amazed by the show’s
reception. “There are so many different
takeaways! Everyone who has seen the show
seems to have a different point of view from
it,” Susan said. “The amazing thing is that it’s
for anyone. With the number of cancer patients
in America – roughly 40% of our country is
personally touched by cancer. While I wish I
didn’t have cancer, I know God is using it. With
that in mind, it is my humble privilege to offer
encouragement and support in the best way
I know how.”

Learn more about Susan Braden and her
one-woman show, Because I Can, Sir online
at –

https://becauseicansir.com/

Because I Can, Sir!

Susan Braden will perform her onewoman show, Because I Can, Sir at
Ardmore Baptist Church on Sunday,
September 15th at 3pm.

The event
is free and open to the public. A love
offering will be received.
Ardmore Baptist Church is located at
501 Miller Street in Winston-Salem.

Visit
http://www.ArdmoreBaptist.org for additional
information.

Thank you.

Gavin