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I hesitated to post this but what the hey. If nothing more, maybe you’ll squeeze your babies a little tighter today.
Back in 2003, I was standing outside my son Tanner’s classroom, cupcakes in hand for his fifth birthday, I read a recent project that he and his classmates had completed in kindergarten. The project was called “I wish…” Most kids filled in the blank with an animal or the latest toy. The final “wish” that I read from a little boy named Mark, forever changed my life. It read, ”I wish I didn’t have to go to Chemo anymore.” I stewed on that the entire weekend until I returned to work on Monday and told My business partner, Steve, about it. I made a request to him that we start “giving back” by donating some money to a children’s cancer charity. What would you do?
We began to support Lyrics for Life, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Lyrics for Life was founded by Sister Hazel front man, and Gainesville’s own, Ken Block, in memory of his younger brother Jeffrey who ultimately lost his four-year battle with T-cell Lymphoma. The charity unites musicians and celebrities for concert events, auctions and other fundraising efforts. Our giving initially consisted of donating all proceeds from tooth whitening and has blossomed into hosting an annual event here in Tampa. In 2005, our inaugural event raised almost $30,000. It was truly a dream come true for us!
Fast forward three years. My son Tanner and I were getting ready to fly out to Steamboat Springs for The Rock Slope, a weekend of skiing and music. It was Tanner’s 8th birthday present from me. We were excited about spending some time together, seeing lots of friends, and Tanner learning to ski. Unfortunately, we never made the trip. Tanner was hospitalized with a fever and a mass in his left kidney. For his birthday, instead of receiving gifts, he gave up his left kidney and a softball sized mass. Yes, it was cancer. Wilms Tumor to be exact. We were all devastated.
Living in a fog for the next several months, we progressed through the steps it would take to get him healthy. His treatment protocol was 26 weeks of pretty intense Chemotherapy and a course of Radiation therapy. The Good News is that Tanner completed his RT and had his final Chemo session on September 14, 2006 and has been cancer free for over two years. During his treatment, however, we met many families affected by many different kinds of cancer. Some have treatment times in excess of 3 years. It really hurts my heart to think of children having to go through such rigorous treatment simply in effort to live.
The hardest part of this journey has been explaining to Tanner why his buddy from his kindergarten class, who had the same kind of cancer, is no longer with us. “I had the same kind of cancer as Mark did, Daddy. Am I going to die?” That is a ridiculous question for a child to ask.I could not be more proud of Tanner and my two girls, Emma and Abby, for their fight in the worst of situations. He is now on the mend and is back playing baseball and enjoying the things that kids should enjoy.; a cool swim in the pool instead if the cold hallways of a hospital, throwing 2 pt. PAT passes in flag football instead of throwing up for 2 days, learning, growing and being a gentleman at the age of 10.
Our involvement with Lyrics for Life will continue as we prepare for our 4th Annual Lyrics for Life Event at the Clearwater Beach Hilton on October 18th. I encourage you all to come and enjoy a wonderful night with us while we raise money for a great cause. The night will consist of a cocktail hour, luau-style dinner, acoustic music sets by emerging artists Chris Nathan, Michael Tolcher and Sister Hazel, and finally a silent auction of unique items signed by many musicians. The Event is always scheduled during the Gator October off-week by design. Any of you local Gators want to have some fun and help us kick some cancer ass, join us. Most of the nearly $100,000 we have raised over the last few years has stayed locally and has benefited the Children’s Cancer Center in Tampa.If nothing more, consider making a donation in honor or memory of someone you know that may have been affected by cancer.
As a reflection of what donations like this achieve, look no farther than the survival rates of children with Tanner’s cancer. In the early 70’s, children had a 30% chance of beating Wilms Tumor. Today, thanks to great strides in treatment modalities, my son has better than a 90% chance to live life event-free following his treatment. Thanks to all of you for your time and consideration.
Visit lyricsforlife.org for more info.
Thanks,Jeff
  
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Just a story... gatordoc13 10/9/2008 - 4:31 p.m.
