< Back to Stories of Hope

Jim Semonik sits stoically on a reddish tan rock, looking off in the distance with his head turned to his right and his arms resting casually on his knees. He is surrounded by spiky green succulents next to him and a willow-like green tree in the background. Jim is donning all black in a cool, alternative style. He wears a black graphic tank top that is loose with distressed white graphics, black distressed skinny jeans, and all-black high-top athletic shoes. He completes his look with black sunglasses and white, black, and red bracelets.

Beats for a Cure: A DJ Spins Hope into Cancer Research

By: Amanda Finkenbinder

After recovering from treatment, rectal cancer survivor Jim Semonik, 47, developed a way to blend his music industry experience with giving back. The DJ and electronic music promoter contacted everyone he knew in the industry and asked them if they could cut an original song for a new music anthology series called Electronic Saviors.

Since then, Jim and his friend have produced six volumes and raised $113,000 to date for various cancer charities and organizations, including the UPMC Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, where he returns every two years for a follow-up colonoscopy.

“Dr. Medich is responsible for me still being here,” Jim said. “I thought this was the most direct way of supporting his research and what he does. He and his nurse Kim have been there for me through everything.”

In 2019, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons honored Jim with the Local Hero Award for his efforts. He and his friend are now developing volume seven, and each edition is dedicated to friends or family affected by cancer. “It’s an uphill battle against this thing,” Jim said. “I’m going to keep doing it. I’m fighting for myself, but I’m also fighting for other people.”