Music is often thought of as simply entertainment, a way to pass away some time with a little fun. However, music can also have a healing effect, lifting the spirit in time of crisis. This is true for the listener, but especially so for musicians. Such is the case with pianist Sue Palmer, who performs Sunday, June 13 at the 19th annual Scripps Green Hospital’s Cancer Survival Day Celebration. Located at the Valerie Timmken Amphitheatre, the free event features presentations on the latest treatment innovations, talks on everything from nutrition to post cancer care and, of course, the concert by Palmer, who attended Point Loma High School. Perhaps best known for her five-year stint with peformer Candye Kane, Palmer has released five albums to date, including her most recent release “After Hours,” winning numerous trophies, including the 2003 San Diego Music Awards for Best Blues Album for “Live at Dizzy’s,” and the 2008 International Blues Challenge Award for Best Self Produced CD, “Sophisticated Ladies.” Palmer is also one of the top session and live pianists in the country, having performed or recorded with a long list of music icons including Dave Alvin, Cesar Rosas and Rosie Flores. Palmer, a cancer survivor herself, said music has been one of the most important parts of her recovery. “I feel like I’m lucky that I have something in my life like piano playing,” she said. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, she is now cancer free. But she admits that in addition to her worries about the disease, she was concerned about her musical career. “Not only was my life in danger, but I didn’t know how my piano playing would be ultimately affected since cancer affects different parts of your body, and your arms sometimes don’t work like they used to,” Palmer said. “That was so important to me, as I love playing. It makes me feel real good.” Palmer said being a musician helped her treatment. “I’m very fortunate that I had something that I could enjoy during that time,” she said. “When your health is compromised and you only have so much energy, it’s important to have an outlet. Piano playing was very important in getting me through everything.” Palmer did continue to perform during her treatment. “I was so determined to play that it didn’t slow me down all that much, but it was really wonderful that clubs like Croce’s (downtown) were happy to work around my schedule and were really supportive.” Palmer’s set will be highlighted by the song, “Killer Tiki Boogie,” a song from her 2005 album “In The Green Room.” “I wrote that when I was undergoing chemo treatment, so it was a very strange time for me,” Palmer said. “I don’t normally write vocals, but in this case it just flowed.” Now just about back up to full speed, Palmer is busier than ever. She has more recording ahead, a short tour of the Pacific Northwest alongside Candye Kane and a spot at this year’s KSDS Jazz 88 Festival in Ocean Beach on Sept. 11. After decades in music, she’s just as enthused as ever about playing. “I just really like to play,” Palmer said. “I’m not insecure, so I’m not one of those people that needs to hear applause to perform, though it is nice. But I love what it feels like when the band is really swingin.’ It’s an infectious feeling.” She hopes her performance at this year’s cancer survivors’ celebration will be inspirational to attendees. “It’s important for people to make the most of life while they can,” Palmer said. “You never know what’ll happen next.” Scripps Green Hospital’s Cancer Survival Day Celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 13 at the Valerie Timmken Amphitheatre, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road. To register, call (858) 554-8533 by June 7.