Baldridge will advocate for the toughest of people experiencing hardship via his ongoing initiative
Rising country music star Drew Baldridge has launched The Tough People Fund, a GoFundMe campaign highlighting the individuals, families and communities that experiencing tough times. The campaign launched this morning (Tues, Feb 4th), directing efforts to raise funds for a young fan, Baker, who is battling cancer.
Baldridge was moved when he learned that Baker found strength in his hit song “Tough People,” as she underwent her treatments. Inspired by her resilience, Baldridge decided to take action and use his platform to support Baker and raise awareness for her fight.
The fundraiser is live now and Baldridge penned a personal request to anyone interested in helping this first Tough family. Putting his money where his mouth is, he kicked off the campaign on World Cancer Day with a $1,000 donation of his own.
“I’ve recently learned about the incredible story of a young girl named Baker, and after hearing about the challenges she’s facing, I knew I had to do something to support her. That’s why I’ve set up this GoFundMe campaign to help Baker, a courageous 4-year-old battling an incredibly rare and aggressive form of cancer: ETP T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,” he writes.
“Baker’s diagnosis is heart-wrenching. Only 15-20% of pediatric leukemia cases are T-cell, and within that group, just 11-12% have the ETP markers, which make her case even rarer and harder to treat. This cancer is aggressive and complex, and the odds are stacked against her. But here’s the truth: Baker is not a statistic. She is a fighter. A warrior with an unstoppable spirit and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and community.”
He continues, “Right now, Baker is undergoing Phase 2 chemotherapy, which is even more intense than the treatments she’s already been through. The road ahead is long, but we believe in her strength—and we know that together, we can help her win this fight. The financial burden of this fight is immense. Every dollar raised will go directly to supporting Baker’s journey. Baker’s mom has had to quit her job to provide the care Baker needs, and we want to relieve some of that stress so they can focus on what matters most—Baker’s health.”
Baldridge says the campaign isn’t just about raising money, but also about “building an army of support for Baker. It’s about surrounding her with prayer, love, and resources so she has every chance to succeed.”
Released in October 2024, “Tough People” is already making a significant impact. Co-written by Baldridge, Luke Combs, Adam Sanders, and Jordan Walker, the song is climbing the radio charts and nearing the Top 15. This follows the BBR Music Group artist’s groundbreaking achievement with his first No. 1 hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” which made history when he became the first self-funded artist to reach No. 1 on country radio with their debut single.
