backyardheroes:

Hello everyone! Today’s post actually is not about Backyard Heroes. A number of years back, I had another art project. It was music as well as a film. I called it Ode To An Adventure. It all started with my senior project in high school. I set out to record a concept album of my experience with cancer. However, during my senior year I wasn’t even one year off of treatment at that point. So due to growing personal struggles with the subject, it was shortened to an EP. 

Ode became a concept EP that chronicles the mindset of a teenage boy as he’s faced with the possibility and eventual diagnosis of leukemia. 

10 years ago today, marks the start of what you could say was the most infamous four days of my life. Today would be my first night in the hospital, which you’ll here me sing about in Answers, then finally, May 14th will be the official day of my diagnosis. I listened to the EP last night for the first time in a long time, and as you can imagine, I was overcome with a crazy amount of emotions. As tough as it is for me to listen to the stories told in these songs, I also can’t help but know that I am who I am because of this whole experience, this twisted gift. I wouldn’t change a thing. 

So to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of my diagnosis, I thought it’d be special to share the story that started it all. 

This is my story. If you’d like to learn more about each song, I wrote descriptions for each one that you can see by clicking the title of each song on this page:

http://soundcloud.com/you/tracks 

I used this as a chance to share “liner notes” about each song. Thank you to my cousins Dan and Bob, and my brother Greg for making this project with me. Thank you to all my friends and family who supported me through everything. Thank you all for listening. It’s been a crazy decade, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

-Tim Mathews

PS - As you can hear in the newest of Backyard Heroes songs and if you come see us live, I like to think I’ve grown a lot more as a vocalist. I was 18 when I recorded this EP and hadn’t “found my voice” just yet. Regardless, I’m still so proud of what we accomplished and how it came out. Thanks again!

Tim has been a long time supporter and friend of 11:11 A.M.

Please take the time to read and listen to his inspiring story.

d-desrosiers:

•    Wish    Love    Hope    Cure    •

For those of you who don’t know, the man in these photos is my daily inspiration; Andrew McMahon (frontman of both Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin).

Back in 2005, Andrew was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) and since then has overcome his battle with absolute positivity to be where he is today. 

In 2005, an organisation was formed called 11:11AM. It’s name was taken from the lyrics of the well-known Something Corporate song Konstantine - It is believed that this is the time when one should make a wish as all digits are the same. AM because in 24-hour time 11:11PM becomes 23:11, and also because it stands for the initials of our man of the hour - Andrew McMahon.

I still have my very first orange wristband which I bought in support of 11:11AM back in 2005.

Andrew never fails to amaze and inspire me, and him and and his music has saved me more times than I can count. Once upon a time I never though I’d ever get to see him perform live in Australia, let alone meet him - yet in 2007 all my dreams came true as I got to complete both those goals and have since completed them many times more.

Back in 2011 as a thankyou for me flying around to follow him on tour, Andrew rehearsed and played my favourite song in the world for me solo - Watch The Sky. I cannot express in words what that meant to me. Hopefully one day there will be another Something Corporate show somewhere in the world and I can finally hear him play Konstantine too.

You may have seen the license plate featured above before. The 3rd photo is of me which Andrew posted to his Instagram/Twitter account (“A Legit Plate”) and the 2nd is of Andrew taking the photo. He was amazed that this was my real registered West Australian license plate and that I actually had to unscrew it from my car. It took a lot of effort to get this personalised plate, but I feel so proud that I can share Andrew’s story with anyone who asks about it. I was originally going to purchase an orange plate as orange is the colour for Leukemia awareness, but instead chose blue. I’ve always associated the colour blue with Andrew as he references both the sky and the colour in many of his songs - I’d rather be reminded of those happier moments, than of a time when he was sick.

This plate is my way of sharing awareness.

If you took the time to read this, please visit both the 11:11AM and the Dear Jack Foundation website. Donate. Do your daily good deed and help somebody :)

This is AWESOME! Thank you so much for your support. People like you are what keeps this organization growing.

ashleyceleste:

ashleyceleste:

ALRIGHT KIDDOS. I’m walking in the Relay For Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Help me reach (AND PASS) my donations goal. CLICK HERE!!!!!!!!!! Donate and/or reblog for me! Thank you so much.

My Reason to Relay

I am walking for my Grandpa. I lost him to cancer on 10/10/06. He was my best friend in the whole world and essentially who played the “father” role for me. I love him so much and miss him still every day. He was the greatest man I have ever, and probably will ever meet.

I am also walking for my favorite teacher from high school, Ms. Annable, who kicked breast cancer in the butt. GO ANNIE.

I am participating in the American Cancer Society?s Relay For Life because I want to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Almost everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own personal battle or through someone they love.

Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping us stay well by preventing cancer or finding it at its earliest, most treatable stages. They assist families in finding the best resources to help their friend or loved one deal with a diagnosis and their journey to get well. The American Cancer Society is also rallying communities (like ours!) through events like Relay For Life, to fight back and find cures for this disease.

Please join my team or make a donation to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together, we can help make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone?s life!

For real. Please donate.

We’ve been absent for some time, I apologize. But here is an awesome story and please help out!