About Me
"Please help me help my child outlive me."
This impassioned plea comes from a brave woman named Zoe, but could have easily come from any of the parents all over the world whose children are battling a terminal illness. We all want our children to lead long, full lives, but some families live with the daily fear that their child will have to make yet another trip to the hospital, have yet another invasive test, or that their child may not live to see another sunrise. These are the parents that learn to crush and mix medicines, are on a first name basis with doctors and nurses, and can tell you everything you might want to know about the battle their child is fighting. And these are the parents that look into the eyes of their children and pray that the sickness would leave the small and weakened body before them, and jump into their own. They beg, they bargain, and in the end, they know there is only one thing they can do. They fight this however they can, with every fiber of their being. This is about Zoes fight.
On April 5th, 2003, Zoe brought a special child into the world, and she was given the name Raven. Diagnosed at birth with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Raven would face her first surgery at just 13 hours old. In her three short years, she has had more medical procedures than most people experience in a lifetime. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease, affecting babies in the prenatal phase. It compromises both the lungs and digestive tract of those born with CF, and is often fatal. These children are subject to multiple curative measures and numerous amounts of pharmaceuticals in order to maintain a somewhat tolerable existence. The cost of literally living is exorbitant, as well as both physically and emotionally draining. And each day that passes is a blessing, because every parent, family member, and friend knows that it could very well be the last they have with their loved one. Raven, Zoe, and the rest of their family live with this harsh reality every day. From this reality sprang an idea -- Rockin For Raven. (www.rockinforraven.com)
"Rockin For Raven" events were held throughout Canada reaching from Montreal to Vancouver, and were an incredible success!! Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of those involved, from those who were involved on a local level with special thanks going to Gerri from Ashland Court, Eric and Sandra Lee from Finding Core and Tammy from Montreal, to every single person who participated, giving of their time and talents - the venues who worked with each of the events, to those who helped out with printing and promotion - ya'll absolutely rock!! And, special Kudos to those involved in the larger scheme of the Rockin' for Raven events - Leanne, you went above and beyond - and you were phenomenal!! Denise, your support was invaluable to all of us. Shon and his team of videographers - its people like all of you that keep us all going and motivated! This year's events have only served to let all of those involved know that this is such an incredibly worthy cause - this year, and every year to come. Thank you doesn't seem adequate - but, thank you all for your determination and your hard work, your support, your love, and your patience. Onward.. and upward!! Here's to a successful 2006, and bigger and better things in the future!
Please take a look at the website listed above. If Ravens story, which echoes the story of so many others has touched you in any way, we need your help. Every little bit helps! If you have the means to make a financial donation, we are presently looking for sponsors for next year's events. As with any benefit there are costs we need to offset, such as travel and housing for the musicians. If you wish to be a sponsor, your name/company will be displayed on Raven's site, and in all promotional materials. If you would like to make a donation directly to the "Rockin' for Raven", that would be appreciated greatly. If you have a service to donate in honour of this event, if you are a musician that wants to be involved in some way, or if you desire to attend one of these shows, we welcome you with open arms. Contact information is available on the Rockin For Raven website. Every little bit counts, whether it comes from a monetary gift, sweat equity, or heartfelt compassion. It will take many people to make this vision a reality, but we can do this together.
Please join us to be a part of history, and help us give children with CF the time to have a history to create. Rockin’ For Raven is about helping kids and young adults battling Cystic Fibrosis.Add your support by showing your commitment, solidarity, and determination to help find a cure for CF. Please check the Rockin’ For Raven website for more information - Indie Musicians united can be a very loud voice!! Help us to help them be heard!
