Matthew Zachary

Matthew Zachary was a 21-year old college senior and concert pianist en route to film school when he lost use of his left hand, was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer, told he'd likely never perform again and given a 50/50 chance of surviving. Sixteen years, four albums, a wife, twins and scores of concerts later, Matthew's struggle to get busy living has inspired countless thousands. Today, he is an award-winning recording artist, performer, as well as an accredited thought-leader in nonprofit management, public health and youth culture, an authority on social media and a highly credentialed and sought after public speaker.

A founding member of the original Google Health Advisory Council, he launched the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation, in 2007 as a social bullhorn to raise awareness that his own generation of young adults, a largely unknown group in the war on cancer, accounted for 72,000 new diagnosis each year. Young adults also represent a generation that has not seen improvements in survival rates when compared to other age groups.

This venture has proven to be a driver of social change by helping to (1) spark a national dialogue on the underserved needs of young adults with cancer, (2) transform nonprofit best practices for young adults, (3) foster a global following of friends, fans, readers, listeners and members and (4) significantly impact the lives of many thousands. Accolades include being a TIME Magazine Best 50 Website, a FOX News Top 10 Healthcare Blog, winning "Most Innovative Use of Social Media in the World" by StayClassy.org and receiving the first ever LIVESTRONG Advancement Award for game changing the young adult movement.

Matthew has a BA in Music, Computer Science and Sociology from Binghamton University and currently lives with his wife and twins in Brooklyn, NY.