Zak Williams Shares Breast Cancer Survival Story
STELLAR AWARD–NOMINATED GOSPEL ARTIST ZAK WILLIAMS SHARES BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL TESTIMONY: “MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO”
The Philadelphia choir leader brings his message of faith beyond the stage, encouraging men to pay attention to their bodies and speak openly about their health.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — October 26, 2026 — Zak Williams, founder and leader of the multiple Stellar Award–nominated gospel choir Zak Williams & 1/Akord, is sharing a testimony that reaches beyond his celebrated music ministry. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the breast cancer survivor is raising his voice with a deeply personal reminder: men get breast cancer too.
“I never imagined that breast cancer would become part of MY story. But it did,” Williams shares in his awareness graphic. “What was one of the most challenging chapters of my life became a testimony of faith, strength, perseverance, and VICTORY!”
For more than two decades, Williams has led Philadelphia-based Zak Williams & 1/Akord, which he founded in 2003. The choir earned two 2012 Rhythm of Gospel Awards, recognizing Contemporary Choir of the Year and Community Choir of the Year. Its performance history includes appearances with John Legend on his 2024 An Evening With John Legend tour, participation in tours with Josh Groban and Trace Adkins, and a July 2025 appearance with Fantasia at Philadelphia’s Dell Music Center. (zw1a.com)
The group’s recording achievements include Revisited, which earned 2024 Stellar Award nominations for Choir of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year. Its single “Jehovah Jireh” reached No. 1 on the Billboard/BDS Gospel Indicator chart, while “Jesus I’ll Never Forget,” featuring Lowell Pye, further expanded the choir’s radio presence. (thestellarawards.com, thestellarawards.com, bandsintown.com)
In 2026, Williams and 1/Akord joined Enon Music Group and EMG Cares’ I Still Believe Tour, a national initiative combining gospel music, ministry and community outreach. Announced to launch in March and continue through the summer, the tour featured participating artists including Dr. Alyn E. Waller, San Franklin, and Jamar Esaw & Triad 4 Christ. Through the initiative, EMG Cares recognizes local nonprofit organizations with $4,000 Impact Harmony Grants to support their community work. (koka.am, emgcares.org)
Now, Williams is bringing that same spirit of encouragement to his personal experience with breast cancer. His pink and blue awareness graphic pairs the words “Faith,” “Strength,” “Courage,” “Survival” and “Purpose” with a direct appeal for men to take their health seriously.
“Today, I stand as living proof that a diagnosis does not have to be the end of your story!” Williams shares.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,670 men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, and approximately 530 men will die from the disease. Williams’ testimony brings a personal voice to those statistics and reinforces the need to include men in breast cancer awareness conversations. (cancer.org)
His message calls on men to resist fear and silence, pay attention to changes in their bodies, and seek medical attention for concerns. It also encourages families, churches and community leaders to help make those conversations possible.
For an artist whose music centers on faith and perseverance, sharing his survival story offers another way to encourage others through difficult circumstances.
“I survived, and I’m sharing my story because your life matters too!”
About Zak Williams & 1/Akord
Founded in 2003, Zak Williams & 1/Akord is a Philadelphia-based gospel choir known for its spirited performances and commitment to gospel choir music. The Enon Music Group recording artists’ catalog includes The Next Chapter and Revisited. Their honors include multiple Stellar Award nominations, two Rhythm of Gospel Awards and a No. 1 Billboard/BDS Gospel Indicator single, “Jehovah Jireh.” Learn more at www.zw1a.com. (zw1a.com, bandsintown.com)
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