HISTORY

In 2001, Dick Ticcioni and Cory Zimmermann worked together at an advertising agency when Dick was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma‎ Cancer following a hernia examination.

 

Though Dick remained positive, Cory was devastated that he couldn’t do more to help him through his difficult time. It was the bitterest inspiration he's ever received, but it gave him an idea for a song, which he recorded that night in his home studio despite a 102-degree fever. Cory would become the first of many motivated and inspired by Dick’s courage.

 

The lyrics, much like Dick’s struggle, began as an open-ended question: “Will I be here?” But thanks to the support of friends, family and an aggressive chemotherapy campaign, the end of the song was rewritten as Lymphoma’s uncertainty was trumped by a definitive statement of life: “The future’s here.“ Dick’s cancer went into remission after 93 days. He had won the battle and today he continues to win the battle.

 

"This Time Tomorrow" took on a life of its own. A music video was made, released the song as a CD single and took the song on tour, telling Dick’s story and donating the money we raised to LLS. Without fail, each time would touch someone new. Everyone knows someone who has dealt with cancer—a mother, father, brother, sister, loved one or friend. A lot of them had stories that they wanted to share. Some just wanted to say “Thanks.”

 

More than 20 years later, that song continues to inspire hope. Now with 15 versions of the song, compilation CDs, music videos, annual concerts and events, it has taken on a life of its own. Inspiring people not only in Wisconsin, but now around the world. The music has been streamed in more than 52 countries and the music videos have won dozens of national awards.

 

This Time Tomorrow was incorporated as a 501c 3 in 2011 and has raised millions of dollars for its national Random Acts of Kindness program.