Boyd to sing at cancer benefit in Poplar Bluff

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Sarah White's celebration of life as she battled cancer caught the attention of not only her family, friends and neighbors but of Neal Boyd, impressing the the winner of the 2008 national talent show "America's Got Talent."

The 31-year-old Poplar Bluff mother of two and schoolteacher died Jan. 23, but her impact on the community continues to grow. When contacted about singing May 19 at the United Cancer Assistance Network's walk in her honor, Boyd, a Sikeston, Mo. native, agreed.

Boyd was impressed "there was an outpouring from the community and everyone wanting to do something." Everyone "jumped on board" and wants to "run in celebration of her life and I wanted to be a part" of the event, he said.

Fighting cancer "is a cause near and dear to my heart" since he has had friends and parents of friends who had cancer, said Boyd, who helps with charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, as well as performing for the Variety Clubs and the USO. He said it is "fun to get involved."

Boyd has performed numerous times for the last seven Missouri governors, as well as for U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He performed a private concert in St. Louis for President Barack Obama.

He won the Music Teachers National Association Vocal Collegiate Championship in 2000, which led to his solo recital debut at New York. Boyd has bachelors' degrees from both Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He decided to forgo his acceptance to Yale University to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston to study opera.

Those participating in the inaugural walk honoring White will have the opportunity to hear Boyd sing "I Can Only Imagine" in person.

The registration deadline is April 1. There are no sponsorship levels. There is no fee to walk.

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 19 in the parking lot west of the UCAN office, 1419 Maud St. Walkers will be served doughnuts and coffee, meet survivors and hear their stories. The three-mile walk will begin at 10 a.m. Local businesses, churches and organizations will sponsor water stations, bathroom breaks and resting spots. The walk will end at the UCAN office, where Boyd will perform.

Registration and donation forms are available at the UCAN office, on the UCAN Facebook page or by e-mailing ucan@semo.net or lmoffitt@poplarbluffmedical.com

For more information, call the UCAN office at 573-776-1892.