Former Make-A-Wish child and cancer survivor Paige Armstrong will release her first project, Wake Up, on Oct. 6 in hopes of inspiring listener’s to find their purpose. The 19 year-old’s journey to this point in her career is unlike most artists. Armstrong was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 11 and endured an extensive stay in the hospital. She was linked to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and traveled to Nashville to make a Christian album as a part of her wish. Her early music also found its way onto the Bath & Body Works Holiday album in 2005 alongside such notables as Martina McBride. She appeared on programs such as “Today” and “Extra” sharing her story and the new Christmas music.

Now cancer free, Armstrong has dedicated her life to reaching teens and young adults to find their own story and not waste their life. To hear Paige’s story in her own words, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/ihateapathy. “Ever since my battle with cancer, God has shaken me to realize how truly precious life is,” says Armstrong. “After being in the hospital and seeing so many people who were daily fighting for their lives, the greatest tragedy to me is seeing so many that have this precious life, simply blowing theirs! My new album is all about each one of us waking up to our incredible value and the unbelievable purpose that God has for us. Ultimately, it comes down to this: My purpose is to help others find theirs.” Wake Up was co-produced by Chris Omartian (Hillary Duff, Pink) and Brian Hitt, with Armstrong co-writing all of the songs. In what she describes as a signature “spunk rock” sound, Armstrong’s new tunes have a strong message for her teen peers and beyond. The important song themes of the record range from speaking into self-image with songs such as “Airbrushed Magazines” and boldness found in “Wake Up” and “Come Alive.” Armstrong’s message of no apathy that she includes in her speaking engagements also finds its way onto the record with “Apathy” and “Story Song.” “My songs are meant to be a bold awakening to a generation that has fallen asleep in apathy,” explains Armstrong. “The music is incredibly edgy and the message is daring as it shares personal value and inspires each one of us to move off the sidelines of life, and into the adventure God has for us.”

Armstrong has been speaking in conjunction with the iShine Live tour and iShine Knect series for the past year. Her messages are also being turned into a DVD Sermonette component available October 6 as well. The DVD will cover 13 topics including gossip, dating, peer pressure and more.