Raymond Marcial Cruz valiantly fought a battle with Stage 4 Ewing-like Sarcoma from 2017-2019. Throughout his battle, he was given the opportunity to share his message of hope with people through his music, from the hallways of Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to the stage of the Ryman. Ray and his mother, Blandina, started the Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition in 2019 to raise funds for the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital where Ray received his treatments.
The Shine Your Light Youth Vocal Competition is one of the main annual fundraisers for the Ray of Light Foundation. Youth all around Middle Tennessee audition to compete in this event, with all proceeds going to the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to help the Raymond M. Cruz Palliative Care for Bereaved Caregivers and their Families.
