Mason Science alum writes song for son while battling cancer

Mason Science alum, Catherine Janice Ipsan, BS Geology '15, better known by her stage name, Cat Janice, has written an award-winning song dedicated to her son, while battling an aggressive form of cancer. 

Facing the end of her life, Janice wanted to publish the song, "Dance You Outta My Head," which began as a bonding moment with her 7-year-old, and direct the single’s proceeds to him. She released the music on January 19, the day before her birthday. The song has since soared to the top 10 tracks on iTunes and been used in more than 34,000 TikToks. 

Janice was working as a geospatial information scientist and singer, while on her way to earn an MS in Geology, when her life changed dramatically in 2022 with her cancer diagnosis. 

Currently, Janice is undergoing radiation, which has bought her some time, and the family is fundraising for her continued treatment.

While Janice knows this song may represent the end of her music career, she hopes her legacy will be that she always stayed true to herself in her music and other creations.

To learn more about Janice's battle with cancer, read the full article from The Washington Post.

Keep up with Janice’s journey on Instagram.

Stream "Dance You Outta My Head" on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Tidal.