Relay For Life. Why BitH Walks...Nels and Ryan.
Hey Everyone! Ryan here. We're currently in NJ on tour, but we're very excited to get home this weekend. Our Relay For Life event in Gardner, MA is coming up this Friday/Saturday. Every year BitH participates in the Relay, hoping to raise all the money we can for the American Cancer Society. Earlier tonight, I came to the realization that we ask for money every year, but we never tell you WHY we walk in the Relay. Everyone in the band (and all of our close friends on Team W.O.B.O.) has been affected by cancer in some way. Right now, everyone in the band is taking some time to write up why they walk, and why they feel it's so important for us to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Every night this week, we'll be putting up a new note from each band member on why we walk. Please feel free to forward, share, and tweet. We want to raise all the money we can for this amazing organization that has done so many wonderful things.
Our goal is $1000, and we'd love to do it by Saturday. If you want to donate, head to the link to our team (Team W.O.B.O.) below. If you're unable to donate, please help us spread the word by sharing via social media and email.
Thanks so much for your support,
Ball in the House
Link to donate to our team: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/?team_id=1397954&pg=team&fr_id=52014
Why Nels Walks.
We all reflect the communities of which we are a part. What is important in the community, so is important to the individual. When one succeeds, the community succeeds. When one suffers, all suffer. No matter its definition, in good times and in bad, our communities are where we turn for support and guidance.
Never is this more evident than when something like cancer befalls a part of it. Internally, cancer is bad. It is detrimental and destructive. But outwardly, it is a builder of communities. It is a codifier of beliefs. Benefit concerts are organized. Breast cancer walks are organized. Benefit dinners are hosted to raise money for the family affected. Cancer’s negative inward influence cannot hold a candle to the positive power, hope, and solidarity is fosters among communities everywhere.
This is what Relay for Life means to me. Relay for Life is not only a fundraiser. It is not only a memorial. It is a celebration. It is a celebration of the community that is built up after cancer tries to ruin and spoil. It’s a celebration of the way my high school rallied around my friend Lloyd when he was diagnosed. It’s a celebration of how my family pulled together even closer when my aunt Jan was diagnosed. It’s a celebration of the solidarity of my mother’s close group of friends and co-workers committed to walking 60 miles over three days in support of other close friends and co-workers as they battled.
Cancer can try take so many things away and unfortunately, many lose that battle. But the spirit of hope and strength it fosters in so many different communities is something that is so much more powerful. And that is why I walk.
Why Ryan Walks.
Why do I walk? I walk for so many reasons. The American Cancer Society has done amazing things to fight this terrible disease we call cancer. BitH has had a team for 8 years, and I couldn't be happier with the people I walk with. Ball in the House stood by me over the last 8 years when both my mother and father dealt with cancer. As you know, I'm from Nebraska, and being this far away from home when those that you love most are fighting this disease hasn't been easy. My mother is the strongest person I know. The strongest. I could fill the page telling you about her, and telling her story, but I'm going to let her do that with the youtube video below.
I walk for all those I love affected by cancer: My Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Carol, and my close friends affected. I walk for those who are fighting, those who have lost their battle, and those who are struggling to stay positive. I walk for everyone that cares about fighting this disease.
Please consider donating to our team. It would mean the world to a lot of people. If your unable, that's OK. Please spread the word about the Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. You could help save someone's life.
I'm proud to do my part. I will walk. I will make efforts to raise money. I will pray for those affected every day.
Thanks,
Ry
My Mother's Story...
Click link- http://youtu.be/ml6OVpPxQPs
