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 MathewsPS - 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.
Please click the link and check out the awesome items up for auction to benefit the Dear Jack Foundation. Items range from Andrew McMahon’s keyboard to tickets to the Dear Jack Foundation benefit show on 11/11/11. Place a bid and help the cause!
Just wanted to pop in and say hi, since it’s been a while. Warped Tour was incredible this year. We raised more money than any other year for the Dear Jack Foundation and really spread the word about the organization. It was awesome being able to meet our supporters and even some survivors. Thank you so much for your support this summer!
We’ve been pretty busy since Warped Tour and have some awesome projects planned for this fall. I’m excited to get the ball rolling again with 11:11 A.M. and I hope everyone is well!
- Marissa
Due to the amazing support we’ve been receiving from everyone regarding our new collaboration shirt, we’ve decided to have another contest!
Our friend Adam Elmakias has donated two of his lens bracelets for us to give away! We will randomly pick two people who reblog this post to receive a bracelet.
In the meantime, check out Adam’s store and photography.
<3
11:11 A.M.
We will be on The Vans Warped Tour 2011 this summer!
Adam and Leah from 11:11 A.M. will be traveling with The Dear Jack Foundation. More information will be announced soon regarding volunteer opportunities!
We hope you’re as excited as we are, see you this summer :)
- 11:11 A.M.
Marissa Mullen, our social networking director, brings you our winter 2010 video update! Learn about our most recent projects and collaborations.
Happy Holidays!
- 11:11 A.M.
Song: Calrissian by Millionyoung
During the summer, we had a chance to team up with Digital Tour Bus for an awesome project. In the video you’ll be taken around the 11:11 A.M./Dear Jack Foundation tour bus, showing you what life is like on the road. It’s a different look into Warped Tour.
We hope you like it!
Best wishes!
Adam
The Dear Jack Foundation and 11:11 A.M. have teamed up to head out on Warped Tour 2010! We are starting a volunteer program for our tent. Two (2) individuals per tour date will be chosen to help us out in the tent during the day at Warped Tour. You are allowed to sign up for a maximum of two dates. Individuals will be chosen based on their involvement with either the Dear Jack Foundation or 11:11 A.M., or any other organization that helps better the community.
Some duties will include:
Arriving promptly at the venue at least 1 hour before doors open,
Passing out literature,
Selling merchandise,
Taking photos, and
Promoting the organizations to attendees visiting the tent!
Guidelines:
You must be 16 years of age or older on or by the date you sign up for. Additionally, by signing up for the volunteer program, you agree to assist our tent for a large part of the day. Should you be chosen to be a volunteer, you will receive a wristband at the venue (this gets you into the event for free). The volunteer wristband is not to be used to get backstage or side stage access, to cut lines, or to behave in a manner that may reflect poorly on each organization. Breaking any of these rules will result in your volunteer status being revoked and your wristband being taken away.
If you are interested in helping us out, please send an email to: 1111amvolunteerwarpedtour@gmail.com.
In the subject line, please specify: your full name, tour date, and city of the tour date.
For example:
John Doe, 7/6/10, San Diego
In the body of the email please include the following information:
Name:
Tour Date(s): (limit 2)
City:
Cell Phone:
Please write a few sentences in response to the following questions: How have you been involved with the Dear Jack Foundation or 11:11 A.M. in the past? Explain. If you have not been involved with either organization, what volunteer activities have you participated in to help better your community? Explain.
If you are chosen as a volunteer, we will reply via email with directions to follow for your tour date(s). Volunteer positions are available on a first come, first serve basis and are non-transferable.
Disclaimer:
Neither 11:11 A.M. nor the Dear Jack Foundation is responsible for transportation of volunteers to and from the event. Volunteers should arrange for their own transportation to and from the venue. Additionally, volunteers are responsible for their own parking, food, and water. We reserve the right to cancel the volunteer opportunity at any moment. Click here to read more or visit: http://www.1111am.com/volunteer-warped-tour-2010/
