Like everyone, my heart has been broken sometimes
Like everyone I’ve learned how to cry
And the fear has blinded me, too many times to mention
Now I have to just leave it behind
‘Cause I feel alive for the first time…

When platinum-selling rock artist Cindy Alter wrote the song “Alive,” recorded on her 2001 album “Dark Heart,” she could have never imagined it as an anthem in her life for surviving leukemia. But as she underwent an autologous bone marrow transplant for leukemia in January 2003, it was that song that came to her mind.

Born in South Africa, 49-year-old Cindy enjoyed early pop stardom as a singer-songwriter with the Sarie Award-winning (South Africa’s Grammy equivalent) all-girl band Clout. When Clout disbanded, Cindy built on her success, touring throughout Africa and Europe with two other hit bands.
In 1990, Cindy immigrated to Los Angeles, where she continued to develop as a successful artist while carving out a satisfying personal life.

She co-produced, wrote and released to critical acclaim two solo CDs, “Silver Moon” and “Dark Heart,” and has shared the stage with top musicians such as Kenny Loggins, Olivia Newton-John, Clint Black and Dave Mason.
When she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, she knew she had only one choice. “I had a choice between life or death. I immediately chose to do whatever was necessary to live,” says Cindy. She found her life support at City of Hope.

In 2005, Cindy returned to South Africa and reunited with her Clout band members. “How many near 50-year-old women get a chance to play rock and roll and travel the world? After surviving cancer, I just had to do it,” says Cindy. “I am living in Africa, playing with my band, living my dream and the best thing is I am feeling spiritually and emotionally whole again. Dr. Forman (Stephen J. Forman, M.D.) and his team made sure that I got to this point. They healed my body and saved my soul. Now I have to take the ball and run with it.”