the dream
DESCRIPTION
A Skate4Cancer fanbook made by supporters for the whole S4C team.TRANSCRIPT
The dream.
Skate4Cancer fanbook.
February 2012
Introduction Hello everyone! We are very excited to share this with you. This
e-book is filled with stories of Skate4Cancer supporters from
around the world.
Thank you so much for helping us to make this idea become a
reality! We're very happy to be involved with such incredible
people!
We hope you have tissues somewhere, because you'll need them!
Polona & Tara
Here we go…
Ashley(Alberta):
After losing my Grandfather to lung cancer, on top of a series of other losses in
my family, certain aspects of my life were altered -- and not necessarily for the
better. Though I learned from these things, and am a better person for it now,
those times weren't exactly positive ones, and by some stroke of luck, during
that time I stumbled across Skate4Cancer. I'd heard about the organization
before, but never really looked into it, and upon reading their mission
statement, I think it's safe to say my life was changed. And for the better this
time.
I now have a print out of that statement, pinned up on my wall. Reading it I felt
such an incredible connection and a sense of hope, an indescribable sense of
hope. I started skateboarding that summer, and Skate4Cancer became
something I held on to. It felt like a light, when things were dark. I followed the
New Zealand and Australia skate, checking the blog every day, and as things in
my family got worse in some ways, and better in others, I found myself
wanting to contribute something to the cause. The cause that had been
helping me and giving me hope, not just through my experience with loss due
to cancer, but gave me hope that I could be a good person, and follow my
dreams, just like Rob had. And I'm sure it's a unanimous opinion when I say we
all know that Rob is easily the most big-hearted, empathetic, strong, and
simply beautiful person to ever touch the lives of others.
Wanting to share my connection, and help others, I organized a Skate4Cancer
event in my hometown in Alberta. Alberta is a pretty boring place, and lots of
kids turn to drugs and cigarettes to kill time, and having lost my Grandfather
to lung cancer, I wanted to tackle that. I wanted to promote Skate4Cancer so
that maybe someone like me, who could use a light in their life, could find one.
I wanted to share Skate4Cancer to promote cancer prevention too, to get kids
to stop smoking, to agree with the fact that "the cure is knowledge." I wanted
to do my part, and be proud to support Skate4Cancer, and help promote them.
It was the least I could do after all they had done for me.
Unfortunately, after months of planning and trips to skate parks and events to
advertise my event, lack of interest and some legal conflicts forced me to
cancel. I had planned a mini skate (just a few kilometers), and a barbecue. Out
of all the pamphlets I handed out, and all the skate shops and events I visited,
only two or three people were committed to participating, and I had found out
too late in the planning process that I needed legal permissions to skate the
strip of highway I intended to.
Although I am saddened by the fact that young people here just didn't seem to
get it -- I had some people sneer at my pamphlets, I had some kids straight up
refuse to quit smoking, it doesn't change what Skate4Cancer did for me. I hope
that maybe, one of my pamphlets in my hometown reached someone who,
even if they didn't contact me or didn't agree to skate, looked up
Skate4Cancer. And I hope that the word of the organization spread, and
helped someone, in some way. And knowing that I made a real, genuine effort
to change something in my city gave me a sense of accomplishment, even if
the event wasn't a success.
I now have a Skate4Cancer tattoo, and I take pride in explaining what the
organization is to people who ask me what it means. I suppose this story is my
way of extending an incredibly heartfelt thank you, to Rob and those at
Skate4Cancer for doing what they do. The cause is an incredible one, and I
know for a fact that I am not the only life they have touched.
I say with confidence now that the hardships I did face at that time, are over. I
had the strength to move on and move forward, all on my own, but nothing
will compare to that little light, that hope that Skate4Cancer was to me. Rob
is, without a second thought, my hero. And if there were one person I could
wish all the happiness and prosperity in the world on, it would be him. I've met
him once at Warped Tour, but I'd love to meet him again, to shake his hand
and thank him. And of course, catch that incredibly contagious smile of his.
Karen (Switzerland): ''That day I
met Rob Dyer in beautiful Paris'' I had planned for month to travel from Switzerland to Paris to meet some of
my friends who live there during my Summer holidays and was really sad to
learn that I was going to miss Rob for juste a couple of weeks. And when, a few
weeks before going there, I saw that tweet saying the meeting was postponed
and would be on June 26th 2011 I couldn’t have been happier in that moment
because I was going to meet one of my role models.
It took us quite some time to find the right hill where the meeting point was (it
was in a huge park with dozens of hills and it was crazy hot that day) but I
finally got there with my two friends!
I remember seeing him from afar and having the biggest smile ever and that
feeling of pure joy growing in my stomach. I was so nervous before going to
talk to him because I had a million of ideas of things I wanted to say but they
wouldn’t come out of my mouth. And acting that way was so stupid because
he is the most genuine persone I have ever met and after a few seconds, all my
silly thoughts disapeared and it felt like I was talking to a friend.
I also remember thinking that you could just see the kindness in him from his
smile. He has the sweetest smile and it’s contagious.
He asked us how and when we heard first about Skate4Cancer and asked
about nice places in Paris and cities that they were going to skate in and some
other random things. And then we took a picture with him, hugged him
goodbye and let him talk to other supporters that were waiting for their turn to
talk to him.
It went all very quick but it was enough for me to realize how amazing he is and
how much he inspires me in becoming a better and even more kind person.
And from that day on, I consider that moment as one of the best day of my life
because it truly changed me.
So thank you Rob for all your hard and amazing work. Thank you to the
Skate4Cancer team, too, because you are all amazing for being part of such a
great organization.
Nicki (Alberta, Canada): ''I finally
met my idol.''
August 12th, 2011, I met one of my idols. Rob Dyer. He was at the All Time Low
concert selling Skate4Cancer merch, trying to get the word out about
Skate4Cancer, what they do and stand for. He was handing out pamphlets
with information about Cancer. When I asked for a picture with him, he said
yes with a big smile on his face. He was just so upbeat and happy about what
he was doing. After the picture he gave me a hug and thanked me. I was too
tongue tied to say anything other than thank him also. There was so much I
wanted to say to him, like thank-you for what you do, you’re a huge inspiration
to me, and you’re story is such a sad but good one. If I could change a thing
about meeting him, I would just tell him how much he and Skate4Cancer mean
to me. All I can say is keep up the great work Rob! And I hope you can open the
DreamLoveCure center soon! That center will do wonders to people dealing
with Cancer!
Janja (Slovenia):
Camille (France): ''Rob made sure
he talked to everyone and gave so
many hugs I stopped trying to count
them.''
I lost my grandmother when I was a child, my grandfather had to deal with it, such as my uncle and a lot of people I care(d) about, may they have been from my family or not. But the biggest loss I had to deal with was the one of my father. I've been missing him everyday for almost two years now, and I will probably always do.
He was my hero, and he's still the person I look up to the most. He was an incredible human being, the kindest person I've ever known. He's fought for two years before finally pass away exactly a week after his 47th birthday. I'll never forget that day. This is when I decided to change. I think and hope I became a better person thanks to him. I got tattooed "Dream Love Cure" in his memory exactly one year after that, which was my first tattoo of a long list. I met Rob last June at the "Skate de France" kick off in Paris, and it was just amazingly perfect. He took time to make sure to talk to everyone, hear everyone's stories and give so many hugs I stopped trying to count them. I hope Skate 4 Cancer gets way bigger in the future. It's an organization everyone should know about, and I'll always try my best to spread the word about it. I hope they'll be able to open centers in a lot of foreign countries to sensitize youngers about cancer.
Natalie:
Rae: When I first heard about skate4cancer it was when I had found out my papa
had Cancer.
5 years ago, it was a shock to all of us. My papa had just retired from work and
quit smoking long before that.
When i found out my papa was in the hospital because if it, i was actually
hanging out with my best friend Leanne
from then on each day for about 2 weeks we would visit him, and you could tell
he was very tired. but other days
he would be energetic and everything. when he got out of the hospital My
mom and I drove him to chemo.
that was the hardest things ever to see him to through. he had to be one of the
strongest people ever.
while he was fighting the cancer, he made sure to spend time with everyone.
Every Saturday night we would go to
the local race track, and watch the races, at the time my dad was in the pit
crew. Then in November 2007 he was
told he was cancer free, and to come back in January to come back for a check
up. January we had found out he
relapsed. it was back. i didn't know what to do. i kept telling myself that this
wasn't the end and he would beat it again.
he did chemo for 2 more months. then on March 3rd, he was rushed to the
hospital, everyone was there. i was at school
at the time, and i came home to a call from my mother, she said they didn't
know when they would be home, i brushed it off.
they came home and said he was fine, joking around and everything, and my
dad told them they would see him the next day.
March 4th 1:09 am. My mom woke me up saying that "papa needed us" they
came home at about 7 am, and i received the
worst news i could ever get. My Papa had passed away. i didn't know what to
do. i was so lost. I text Leanne and told her.
i couldn't believe it, i didn't want to. i cried so hard. I miss him so much, I know
he is watching over me and is proud for everything I do.
When i first heard about skate4cancer, I remember hearing about the
organization and then just googling. i read about everything on there
then i read about Rob Dyer. Everything he did. then and there i became a full
supporter, telling everyone i know about it. Skate4Cancer is
very dear to my heart, and also to my friends hearts. I love Rob Dyer, and
everyone else within the organization, honestly when i found out
that my papa, had cancer I found a lot of comfort in the Skate4cancer, i want
to be involved with it. I cant thank Rob Dyer for everything he
does, he is truly my number one hero and i just want to be like him one day.
Also my best friend Rachel got me the S4C hat for my birthday and i ended up
crying so much, I didn’t take it off for a week. also I just want to thank Rob for
everything he does, with skate4cancer he helped me a lot through the times
with my papa and i cannot wait to meet him again, he will always be my hero,
and he will never know how much he means to me. In a few weeks i will be
getting my first tattoo which will be a skate4cancer tattoo. Skate4Cancer will
forever be in my heart.
When I met Rob Dyer it was a dream come true. I met my hero. I still feel as if it
was a dream. My best friend Rachel and I made a Facebook group to bring him
to our city, St.Catharines for the local Music Festival, we made the group in
April. we had a goal to get 250 people behind us, over just a few days we were
at our goal. the festival was in June, they announced that Rob Dyer and the
skate4cancer crew was going to be there. Rachel and I were so excited. we
made this happen. everyone who joined the group made it happen. Our
dreams were coming true. my dream was coming true. after years and years, I
was finally going to be meeting ROB DYER! the day before the festival Rachel
and I had our annual pre-scene sleepover, we had to get together our gift for
rob and we were just talking about it. i was already getting nervous. we were
counting down the hours i told Rachel not to mind if i cried because i had been
waiting for this day to happen. finally we were at the festival, in line and we
saw the skate4cancer tents, as soon as we got in we went there, he was
standing right in front of us. Dream came true. We met him, I hugged him and
told him how much he meant to me, and how much skate4cancer meant to
me. I told him about my papa. he also signed my shoe. I still have those shoes, i
can never wear them
again, but i will never get rid of them.
Thank you so much Rob Dyer.
Syla(Toronto, Canada):
Alison: This organization, if you can even call it that. Actually no this isn't an
organization it’s a community. This is a place where you raise awareness that
WILL make a difference. I recently shaved my head and donated my hair, if I
had known that i could send it here that would have been my first choice. I
donated my hair because I've known many people having survived, and passed
away. This biggest person I lost was probably my officers from cadets, he
amazed me. He was sick you could tell but continued to show up and push you
further. The second would be my cousin, she has a brain tumour, and is doing
everything in her favour to get it removed. She recently got news back that
they couldn't remove it because it was too big and too far in her brain. But she
continued to hoping that everything would go smoothly the next time. She has
2 kids and doesn't let that stop her from going through with numerous
treatment, some that could result in horrible things. These two people amaze
me. That’s why I became such a strong believer that things can get better no
matter the circumstances.
Thank you Skate 4 Cancer community, and you Rob.
Love, Alison.
Maja(Slovenia): Dear Rob,
I might not be good with words, but that doesn't mean you are not very special for me. With
this letter I just want to tell you how important you are to me.
First of all, I want to thank you. For doing what you’re doing, for being an amazing person
who keeps spreading optimism and love among others. What you do is just incredible. You
are truly such an inspiring person. Not only for people with cancer or those who know
someone that suffers from this terrible disease, but also for everyone else. Just with your
beautiful, honest smile you put a lot of smiles on our faces. With your story you make us
want to do something good, something useful instead of giving up. You’ve taught us that
we should learn from everything bad that happens to us and take the most out of the bad
experiences. You’ve taught us that we should make other people smile and that there’s no
place for hate in the world. You’ve showed use that each person can and should help others,
even if it’s just something small – it could be important. And you also keep telling us how
important it is to take care of ourselves, to love ourselves enough to do that.
Showing me so much, I want everyone to know you and to learn from you at least as much
as I have. So I’m happy when I get a chance to tell people about you and Skate4Cancer. I
once had a presentation at school and when I told them where you skated, they were quite
amazed and I was really happy that I told all of my classmates about you.
As I said, I just love how much you try to spread cancer awareness, to tell people it is really
important to live healthy. Fortunately, no one in my family had cancer. But I do know a
woman who had breast cancer, but luckily it was found soon enough so she didn’t have
many problems. And I am so grateful everything is okay with her, because she is such a
beautiful person and very important for me as she helped me a lot in my life. So I know how
important things like eating healthy or doing breast self-exams are. So thank you for letting
people know that.
I am really grateful for getting to know you, for everything you have taught me. When I feel
down, your words, the quotes you write keep me going. When I don’t see the sunshine
behind the clouds, I think of you. And I smile. And this truly means a lot to me. I think if
there were more Robs, this world would much more beautiful. I hope you are aware of
how incredible you are, Rob. So, once again – thank you. I wish you all the best, because
you deserve nothing less.
I hope one of my biggest wishes - to meet you - comes true one day so I can see your smile
in person and hug you tightly.
Stay amazing.
Love
Christina(Germany): Skate4Cancer changed my life in many ways. When I first heard about Rob
skating across countries to raise awareness about cancer, I thought about how
many people I had lost to cancer. I had already spent months and long nights
of researching about it, so I knew how to do self breast exams, how to eat
healthy and how to prevent many forms of cancer. But then I thought, I didn't
know much about cancer, other than that it existed, before my grandpa passed
away. And after I talked to many friends and my family, I realized that no one
knows that much about it. At that moment I knew I HAD to support S4C and
spread the word. The next day I stopped smoking. I had already tried it two
times, but my friends weren't really supportive. Reading about Rob's story and
getting to know some other S4C fans the same day, I knew I would make it
that day. I finally got the support I needed so bad.
A few years ago my aunt - a cancer survivor - called me to tell me that she may
have cancer again. That was one of the hardest phone calls of my life. It felt
like the whole world started to shake and everything would fall apart. After we
hung up, I couldn't work anymore. So, I grabbed my board, put on some music
and went out to skate. I had no destination - I just pushed and pushed for
hours. And then: Wheelbite. Yeah, we all hate that. I slammed so hard to the
ground, I couldn't breathe for some time. We all hate that too, right? After I
was able to breath again, I skated back home. When I woke up the next day, I
woke up to a destroyed knee and back, but also to a call from my aunt that it
wasn't cancer. I was so happy at that moment, there are no words to describe
my feelings. After we talked for hours I decided to go see a doctor. She told me
I should get laser treatment at the hospital. So I went there twice a week for
seven weeks total. The waiting room I became very familiar with was not just
for the people getting laser treatment but also for the people who were there
for chemotherapy. After sometime we got to know each other. There were
people in their 60s and 70s, people in their 30s and 40s and a young girl. I later
found out she was 15 and had leukemia. When we first started talking, she
looked at me and said "You have really nice hair. You know, I used to have the
same hair colour like you." I told her that I'm growing my hair until it's long
enough to donate it. Then I told her about Hair4Cancer, Skate4Cancer, Light
Up A Smile and Rob. She really liked the idea and after we were both done
with our treatments we met again and talked for hours. When we wanted to
go home I decided to give her my Dream Love Cure wristband. She said "You
know, one day you care about who has the best clothes at school or who's
father has the best car. And the other day all you care about is Love and
finding a Cure. And you Dream about living a normal live again. All you want is
to be healthy. Please continue to tell Rob's story. And one day a girl like me will
be more than happy to get a beautiful wig because someone decided to give
some of her hair."
We hugged and parted ways. I never saw her again. Some weeks later I read in
a newspaper that she died. And even though we only met once I just couldn't
stop crying. It felt like I lost a long time friend. I am very proud and blessed that
I had the chance to meet her and talk to her.
I will always support Skate4Cancer with everything I got.
So, thank you Rob, for doing all this. Thank you to the rest of the S4C team,
because of you - even though I barely know your names - many people all over
the world found something they can identify with. The people I met through
S4C are not just about raising awareness about cancer. It's a whole new
generation of people who live by "Dream Love Cure". It's also about helping an
old woman across the street, holding a door open for someone or just showing
a stranger your smile, because he may have had a bad day. I feel love and
respect for everybody involved in this movement.
The Cure Is Knowledge. Push Past.
Ian(New York):’’Before S4C, I
was living just because I was
alive.’’ How did you get involved in Skate4Cancer and how did it change your life?
I got involved in S4C through myspace, actually.
I guess what drew me in was the huge super famous picture of rob skating past
the hospital, and listening to Push Past and all of the other amazing songs on
their old profile. It changed my life because up until that point i really had no
inspiration and was just living because i was alive. Now, i sort of live to help
other people if I can.
Can you tell me something more about Skate For Awareness? What is the
main goal of it?
Skate For Awareness really was concepted shortly after Rob was side-swiped
back in Australia. while he wasn't able to skate, I figured there would be some
way I could keep S4C alive in my heart. (i thought that he wouldn't be able to
skate again and feared that so much so) Coincidentally, there was a place to go
that was just an oval that had some distance to it, and was near my house. The
wheels just kept rolling from there. Once i started the skate, my goal was to let
people know, this isn't just some local kid that's crazy and likes skating in
circles. A couple of times friends accompanied my skate, but not many times.
Most people didn't believe I skated it once I told them that's what I did, and
surprisingly no one asked why I just skateboarded 1000 miles in a circle.
You already did a skate last year. Do you feel like you reached the goal with
the miles skated or was the point missed?
I'm doing 1,000 miles this summer again because ultimately SFA had three
missions: to show Rob that he's never alone, to commit to something I started
and to perservere so I could better relate to Rob and people who are going
through Cancer, and to Raise awareness of S4C. I guess after the skate was
done, it really wasn't too successful. 1/3 of what I wanted to get out of it was
there.
This year I plan on doing it again, only this time I've taken a little more
preparation. My friend supports skateboarding, photography, videography,
and what I'm doing, so my friend Josh is going to help me document my skate
in Video and Photo media. We also have a blog so you can keep up with the
skate, get some general knowledge and read about the past skate.
Your three biggest wishes and your three biggest fears?
My three biggest wishes I'd probably say are..
1 - to meet and even skate with/across a country with Rob Dyer
2 - to move to Toronto and work with the New B.E.A.T. and be in a band
3 - to move to Toronto and attend Ontario College of Art and Design
University
My three biggest fears are...
1 - none of my goals happening
2 - losing my family
3 - feeling like my life was lived but it wasn't for other people
Would you be able to say S4C saved your life? Why?
Ultimately, no, S4C did not save my life because I never felt as if my life was at
risk, so to speak. However, it did make my life way better, give me a purpose,
and show me so much about life I never would have learned without
Skate4Cancer, so Rob, wherever you are, thank you man <3
More about Skate For Awareness here: http://skateforawareness.tumblr.com/
(Interviewed by Polona)
Rachel(St Catharine’s, Canada):
Above is a picture of Rob
Dyer and me at two
separate times. My best
friend Rae introduced me
to the Skate 4 Cancer
organization. She had
always told me how he
was her hero and a whole
bunch of good stuff about
him. Which brought us to
thinking about this crazy
idea to bring him to our musical festival that is at the end of June every year
called “S.C.E.N.E Music Festival”. There’s no better way to spread awareness
of a non-profitable organization. This brought us to making a Facebook group.
As well as, to make this happen we talked to the coordinator of the festival at
the time and he said that he was a friend of Rob’s manager, which was great!
When we got him to the festival. I finally got to meet him, my best friends hero
and a lovely gentleman. I was
inspired from his enthusiasm;
he was just so happy and
encouraging, such a
sweetheart. I ended up
buying three shirts. I had to
help spread the word about
what this gentleman was
doing. I saw him again at the
All Time Low show last April
at the Sound Academy and
he remembered me, which
was awesome! I will always be a supporter of this organization.
(Above): Grandma, cousin Vicky and my dad (left to right)
Grandparents; my fathers’ parents.
Grandma, breast cancer: she passed away on December 1st, 1985 and I never
got to meet her because I was born October 24th, 1993. She was diagnosed in
October 1978 and then got a mastectomy. Then she got bone cancer in her hip
the middle of October 1984, resulting in a hip replacement.
Then a tumor was found in her spine September 1985 and she was classed to
have terminal cancer at the end of September 1985. From all the things I’ve
heard from my dad through stories, she would have been an amazing
grandmother and I’m sure my life would be so different if she were alive now.
Rest in peace grandma, Mary Keep <3
Grandpa, on my fathers side, melanoma; the first time he got it was in
April/May 2003 on his face underneath his eye. He got it removed in time. Then
it decided it was going to come back around the same time, in the same spot,
in 2008. Once again, he got it removed just in time. And just when we thought
we were done with it, it came back in the same spot in September 2010
because they didn’t get it all the first time. Let’s hope that was the last time
that he had to get the cancer removed. My grandpa is a big part of my life, I
visit him once an awhile with my dad. I’m not sure if I could handle him passing
away anytime soon. I love him too much for him to leave right now or ever.
He’s the only grandparent that has seen me grow up.
This is my grandpa, with the
aftermath of his melanoma. Not sure if
you can see it under his right eye
(readers left).
Grandparents; my mother’s parents.
Grandpa, on my mother’s
side, stomach cancer: he
passed away on December
31st, 2000. I remember seeing
him all the time when I was
younger, but Christmas time
holds the memories that I
remember the most.
Their wedding photo; Oma, Grandpa and Grandma (left to right)
The one Christmas we went to his house and he got us these outrageous size
candy canes filled with candy; my brother and I were astonished! Then he
started to get sick. I remember visiting him in the hospital all the time, but I
was unsure really of why he was in there. Whenever I went, all I did was watch
the television. I didn’t think anything of it; I though whatever he had would go
away. It ended up spreading and took him over, he had a stroke and he left our
world. I imagine my life outrageously different if he was still alive. He would
have taught me guitar, and my second language would be German because he
would have taught me it. I probably would have gone to Germany with him
sometimes to visit cousins. He discovered the stomach cancer after having two
strokes. Rest in peace grandpa, Peter Gabski <3
Grandma, on the mother’s side, pancreatic cancer: she passed away May 10th,
1983 she was diagnosed late 1981. They gave her the survival rate of one to
two years. She passed away before my parents wedding, which was August 3rd,
1985. Therefore, she never got to meet my brother and me. My mom doesn’t
talk about her much, but I’m sure she was a lovely lady and my life would be
greatly different if I had met her. I would definitely have German as my second
language. She is in the picture above with my grandpa. Rest in peace grandma,
Ingrid Gabski <3
On February 17th, 2011 on of
my cadet officers Captain Jim
Lane passed away. He was
going to be the next
commanding officer of our
cadet corps as well. He may
have been just an officer for
most cadets but to me, he was
much more than that.
The luminary for Jim the
previous year (left) Our memorial for Jim at the Relay for life (right)
He was a friend and as well as, my best friend Ryan’s father. It all started in the
first year that I was on the silent drill team for cadets which was in 2007. He
was in charge and I remember going to our armories every Saturday for
practices. Jim made drill seem really fun, and it’s something I enjoyed doing.
After that, I had a passion for drill and joined the team every year after that. He
knew that drill manual like the back of his hand and he was amazing at it. After
I found out he had colon cancer, I was heartbroken. I knew before most of the
cadets, because his son and my best friend Ryan told me. Last summer, I went
to go visit Ryan at camp to watch the annual Sunset Ceremony. My mom
drove me to his house and Jim agreed to drive me up accompanied by his
lovely wife Kim and their neighbor Dorian. When we go to Borden where the
cadet camp was, we went to the CANEX to get Kim a sweater. Jim asked me
what kind of candy I liked and I said Nibs; however, I didn’t know later that
evening that they were bought for me. Since that night, Nibs were our thing. I
got them for him nearly every time he ran out of them after that. The last bag
of nibs I gave him remained in his desk for a couple months because he was
unable to come to cadets because he was too sick. On February 17th, 2011 at
3am in the morning, I got a text from Ryan saying, “He’s gone.” All I could do
was cry, and nothing more. Then at his viewing, his neighbour Dorian and I
decided to go the corner store and get him Nibs. When we go to the store,
there were the Nibs all perfectly aligned but one package; he knew we were
coming. I gave the bag to his wife, and she laughed and said she was never
opening them. The week after he passed there were Nibs still in his desk, but
when the officers went to go clean it out a bit later they were gone; nowhere to
be found. Strange right? As well as, every Wednesday (our cadet night) until
our cadet annual, the weather was always rainy or a thunderstorm. That was
my hardest annual because we had no help from Jim for our silent drill team
routine; however, every time we finished our routine, there was a big crack of
lightening and thunder. Since Jim was a big part of our senior cadets cadet
careers, we decided to base our 2011 relay for life around him. Our team was
the Cancer Fighting Superheroes’, and Jim was our biggest hero. I miss him so
much, rest in peace James Jim Lane <3
Polona(Slovenia): My story with Skate4Cancer starts back in 2010 when a Twitter friend told me
something about it. I was amazed but I didn’t actually do anything for a few
months. Then a Facebook contest for an event started. The group who would
get the most members would get an event in their town/country. Then I
started the Slovenian street team. We’ve done so much since then. And I can
say Skate4Cancer changed my life. I switched schools in September 2011,
which was quite hard because everything was getting harder. I couldn’t stand
the pressure anymore and it got to the stage when I was about to explode. But
S4C kept me up. Rob’s optimism encouraged me that there is something more
in life than just living the routine. I’ve been trying to achieve my dreams ever
since. School is still just a part of routine but everything else is different. I do
things that I like, things that actually mean something to me. And I have to
thank Skate4Canceer for that. I really hope I’ll be able to meet Rob and the rest
of the team someday so I can thank them for everything.
I think my friends are slowly starting to get attached to S4C as well because I
talk about it all the time. Talking about something I love makes me happy even
when I’m under so much stress everything seems too much.
I am one of those S4C supporters who can say the organisation saved their
lives. Because I wouldn’t be able to push through last two years without it.
Thank you, so much.
Two Crown King: (Interviewed by Polona)
Firstly, can you tell us something more about the band Two Crown King for
those who might don't know you yet?
We're a six piece band from London, Ontario, Canada. We listen to hip hop,
soul and rock'n'roll and probably sound a little like all three. To date, we've
released two short albums - a four song demo, "Two Crown King Is A Demo"
which was produced by Dan Weston whose credits included Shad and
Classified, and a six song, self titled EP which was produced by Ben Kaplan
whose credits include Rise Against and Biffy Clyro. We're fortunate to often
share the stage with artists like, Down With Webster, Brother Ali, StereoKid,
Classified and USS. We love playing live and we have the coolest fans in the
world.
How did you start working with Rob from Skate4Cancer? Can you tell us
something more about that?
"Rob is a close friend from way back and we've always been a supporter of
Skate4Cancer. When we decided we wanted to release the song and raise
money for research, it seemed like a natural pairing. Rob has a heart of gold
and was excited to be apart of the cause, and we are very fortunate to be
teamed up with such a great organization."
What's the story behind ''Ben's Song''?
Ben is close friend of the band. The song was originally written before Two
Crown King was formed. Four and a half years ago, Ben lost his Mother to
cancer. Dick and Goodchild wrote the lyrics as a conversation between Ben
and his Mom. The song was never officially released and was instead given to
Ben as a gift. A few months ago we decided to honour Ben's family by re-
recording the song and donating all the proceeds to cancer. We told Rob at
Skate4Cancer about the concept and immediately got to work.
Why did you decide to release the song on 4th February, the world's Cancer
day?
"We really wanted to make sure that we got our message out to the right
people. Bands are always releasing singles, everyday, all over the world so we
knew it would take something to make the release date stand out. With all the
proceeds from the sales of the song going to Cancer research, it just seemed
fitting that our campaign would begin on the day the world's awareness was
being put in the spotlight'
Can you say for yourselves that you eat healthy and do everything to try and
prevent cancer?
There are six guys in Two Crown King. We all have different habits.
Collectively, we're doing ok. Five of the six of us are former smokers who've
quit for good. Dick's sister is a brilliant nutritionist so she keeps a pretty close
eye on us, too. And, you wouldn't know by looking at us but we hit the gym
now and then, some more than others. ;)
"We all maintain healthy lifestyles. Everyone in the band has been affected by
the loss of someone to cancer, so as friends, we have all done our part to
educate each other when it comes to preventative measures."
The question you wished I’d ask you? (You can answer it as well. :)
"Who was involved in the "Ben's Song" project and how?
Jamie Lawson at Poly Studio (www.polystudio.ca) - Artwork
Ben Kaplan - Producer of "Ben's Song"
StereoKid (Facebook.com.StereoKidBand) - Close friends and Skate4Cancer
supporters
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation (www.pmhf.ca) - All proceeds go
to this organization
Josh Bloom - Close friend, supporter and unbelievable all around person
Rob Dyer a Skate4Cancer - Close friend, supporter and supercool dude.
Ben and his family - For absolutely everything.
Every person who spread the word, spread the love and supported the project
from the beginning. Thank you
And finally, what is your message for all Skate4Cancer supporters out there?
You're a special group and Rob is grateful for each and everyone of you.
Believe us. Skate4Cancer supporters share a enormous amount of passion and
enthusiasm. It's entirely addictive and is a major factor in the organization's
success. Rob feeds from your energy as much as you do from his. Thank you.
Please keep spreading the love.
Please check out www.benssong.com and download it from iTunes. All raised
money will go to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation!
Also, go to www.twocrownking.com and check out other songs by this
incredible band!
Tara(Newfoundland, Canada): To be honest, I don't really know when I first heard of Skate4Cancer but I do believe it was sometime in 2006 or early 2007. I read up on it and thought it
was really cool what Rob was doing. I remember seeing someone at the store once wearing a S4C shirt and I was really stoked because I didn't know of
anyone else around where I lived who supported S4C.
I made the Skate4Cancer Facebook group in April of 2010, begged my friends to join, sending the link to Rob, not expecting more then 20 people to join
behind me we quickly raised to over 200 in just a few days. In mid-October, Rob tweeted saying that S4C Newfoundland news would be coming soon. 6 months to the day after I created the group, Rob announced the date of the
event, December 18th, 2010. I always said that I would cut my hair and donate it to Hair4Cancer but only if Rob did it. Then started my quest to make that
happen. I tweeted, Facebook messaged, emailed, everything to make it happen. To make this story short, I went prepared for him to cut my hair, and it
did in fact happen. This was the first time that Rob and I had ever met in person and he called me by name without ever having to tell him. So just
remember, if you support S4C and haven't gotten the chance to meet Rob yet, there is a very high chance that he will know your name.
December 18th, 2010 will always remain as one of the best days of my life. Rob
is easily the friendliest, nicest, most genuine person I've ever met and I will never forget that. I will never be able to express the appreciation I have for
both Rob and the S4C team, especially Josh and Nathalie for putting up with my constant emails and Facebook messages. They took the time out of their
days to respond to me and acknowledge the group that I never thought would actually work.
We are also very proud to introduce
you to the first ever, international
Skate4Cacncer supporters website.
www.s4cdreamers.wordpress.com
Dream, love, cure.