Inspired by tens of thousands of fans encouraging him after doctors told him he had three to five years to live following a terminal cancer diagnosis, Christian music pioneer Carman launched a Kickstarter campaign April 19 with the goal to raise $200,000 for his first new album and music video in over 10 years. Remarkably, Carman not only reached his goal in 25 days, but also exceeded that goal, raising over $233,000 so far, making this the second most funded music project ever on Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. With 32 days left before the campaign ends June 18, Carman fans are continuing to push closer to making this the No. 1 most funded music project on Kickstarter as they continue to donate as little as $1 up to several thousand dollars with commensurate gifts of appreciation from Carman.

Energized by people's prayers, kind words and support of the Kickstarter campaign, and determined to not let cancer detract from doing what he does best - sharing the hope of the gospel to live audiences, Carman announces a 60-city, 28-state tour in anticipation of his new album and music video. With concerts being planned now in top markets like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Dallas, where he holds an attendance record of 71,132 in Texas Stadium (the former home of the Dallas Cowboys), Carman is also extending an opportunity on Kickstarter for fans to be the first to support his tour and receive tickets before they begin going on sale to the general public July 1.

Available at Kickstarter now, and limited to 500 tickets for each city on the tour, backers who donate $100 will not only receive 2 VIP concert tickets and backstage passes to meet Carman after the concert of their choice, but will also receive the new CD at the concert, a single and video download one month before the actual street date of the upcoming album, a t-shirt, an autographed Game Changers CD and more.

Touring from coast-to-coast, Carman will share new music alongside his hit songs and his most recent offering, "The Flag," a compelling anthem that weaves the Pledge of Allegiance into a melodic and inspirational message of pride in America. "The Flag" concept video can be seen now

The process that led to the launch of this Kickstarter campaign began in March of this year as singer, songwriter and television/film actor/writer Carman was diagnosed with terminal, multiple myeloma cancer, a cancer of the blood that affects the body's bone marrow. Stunned and initially devastated by the news, Carman's spirit was soon lifted up by the overwhelming love and support received by tens of thousands of fans after posting the news on his Facebook page. He is now determined to fight the cancer and turn the death sentence into a renewed vision and hope for the future.

With 16 RIAA Certified Platinum and Gold albums and videos, over 10 million albums sold and attendance records for the largest solo Christian concerts in history, Carman is already meeting with producers and planning to record the new album and music video. Amazingly, it was a death sentence by doctors that paradoxically revived this entertainer's creative spirit through his fans.