If you grew up in the ’80s, you know the number by heart. 867-5309. Thanks to Tommy Tutone’s 1981 hit, it’s one of the most recognizable strings of digits in pop music history. Now that number has a new purpose.
Tommy Heath, the voice behind the song, has partnered with the Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club to turn the famous number into a real cancer support hotline. Anyone affected by cancer can call 272-867-5309 and be connected with trained professionals who offer free, immediate support and personalized guidance.
Heath, now 78 and dealing with minor skin cancer himself, says the disease hits closer to home all the time. “I’m out on tour with a lot of bands and suddenly somebody’s not there,” he told PEOPLE. Cancer, he says, is “affecting us all.”
The helpline is free and staffed by specialists experienced in supporting people through one of life’s hardest moments. The campaign also benefits Gilda’s Club, founded in honor of the late Gilda Radner, the beloved comedian and “Saturday Night Live” original cast member who died from ovarian cancer in 1989.
Heath says he hopes the familiar number brings a moment of comfort to people in crisis. “When someone is depressed and confused, they’ll go, ‘Hey, I’ll call 867-5309. Somebody’s waiting there to help me.’ And I hope they smile at that point.”
For more information, visit csc8675309.com.
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