Not Done Yet Album Available Now!
Celebrating 40 years of hope, courage and teamwork.
In honor of Moffitt Cancer Center’s 40th anniversary, The ReMissions, Moffitt’s house band, is releasing its latest album, Not Done Yet. Featuring five original songs and five covers, the album connects Moffitt’s history with the energy and optimism of what comes next.
Not Done Yet captures a simple message: We are proud of how far we have come, and excited about the work still ahead.
The original song “1986” celebrates the year Moffitt opened its doors and the spirit that continues to drive its work today.
Listen Now:
Dr. Hwu has been playing in bands for more than 30 years. It’s become a meaningful creative outlet for him while dealing with a high-pressure career. “Being in a band is really about teamwork,” said Hwu. “As opposed to being a solo performer, the role in a band isn’t to just play, but to hear and listen to everyone else. ”
Dr. Dana, The ReMissions
Named in honor of the one thing that every cancer patient hopes for — their disease to be in remission — these musical team members want their positive message to highlight the great work Moffitt is doing to fight cancer.
Meet The ReMissions
Patrick Hwu, MD
President and CEO, Medical Oncologist Researcher
Keyboard
Instruments: Keyboard, piano, guitar and trumpet
Favorite music genre: Blues and rock
Most memorable gig to date: Our holiday caroling gig, because it’s such a joyous time in front of our team members along with a number of special guest vocalists who work at Moffitt.
Favorite song to play with the band: Don’t Stop Believin’. As a cancer immunologist and researcher, it symbolizes our never-ending belief that we can and will find better cancer treatments.
Dana Ataya, MD
Co-Chief of Breast Imaging, Associate Professor
Vocals
Instruments: Vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, harmonica
Favorite music genre: All genres, but jazz is my favorite for unwinding after a busy day.
Most memorable gig to date: Snapshots of Courage at Moffitt’s McKinley Outpatient Center last fall. The event brought courageous breast cancer stories to life through patient-selected photos. The attendees were either breast cancer survivors, family members, or Moffitt breast cancer health professionals. At the end of the night, we spontaneously decided to perform “Lean On Me.” When I walked out into the audience, I was joined by a line of courageous women. They embraced me, and each other and joined me in singing. It was a powerful moment.
Favorite songs to play with the band: Feeling Good and any songs we’ve re-imagined (“ReMission-ized”)
Mark Robertson-Tessi, PhD
Researcher in Mathematical Oncology
Mandolin
Instrument: Mandolin, guitar
Favorite music genre: A wide variety, but outside of popular genres, I also listen to traditional Irish music, classical, acoustic and ambient.
Most memorable gig to date: Our performance in Sun City Center. Vince DiMartino joined us, the crowd was dancing, the mood was great and our setlist was full of good songs.
Favorite song to play with the band: If I had to pick one, Black Velvet. Great groove, and singing the vocal harmonies is very fun.
James Mulé, PhD
Researcher, Associate Center Director of Translational Science
Guitar
Instrument: Electric and resonator guitar
Favorite music genre: Hard rock and blues rock
Most memorable gig to date: They have all been special in their own ways, but I would have to say the recent Moffitt McKinley Hospital grand opening.
Favorite songs to play with the band: Takin' Care of Business and You Shook Me All Night Long
Jeff Leighton, RN, CCRN
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Bass
Instruments: Bass and guitar
Favorite music genre: Progressive jazz, or anything that’s too complicated for me to play.
Most memorable gig to date: The Grand Opening reception for the new Moffitt McKinley Hospital.
Favorite song to play with the band: Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin
Ron Zalva
Security Officer Lead
Drums
Instruments: Drums
Favorite music genre: Jazz, blues and rock
Most memorable gig to date: Toss-up between Magnolia Ball, the Mole Patrol event and the DPR Construction open house.
Favorite songs to play with the band: Black Velvet and Don't Stop Believin'
Guest Band Members
Vince DiMartino
Ask the band who Vince DiMartino is, and you will hear answers ranging from “he’s incredible” to “he can shred it up.” DiMartino is a world-renowned professional trumpet player who has played with many of the jazz greats, but also happens to be a patient at Moffitt Cancer Center. He was connected to Dr. Hwu and The ReMissions during one of his appointments, and the rest was history. DiMartino routinely joins the band for practices and special gigs. Playing alongside someone of DiMartino’s caliber is one thing, but for the band members, it’s even more special making music with someone who is living proof of the importance of their work.
The ReMissions Rules
- Have fun
- Play in the same key
- Start at the same time
- End at the same time
