Why this belongs here
When I first started the Van Hiller Rock and Roll Backyard BBQ, it was because I wanted to throw parties in my backyard. I had spent a lot of time and effort to develop my backyard and I wanted to share it with my family, friends, and neighbors. The first year was rough, but fun. I ran the entire thing myself, but I knew it would be worth it. And it was, but it felt like I could do so much more. I had a feeling I wanted to develop it into a fundraiser, but I didn't really know which one or why.
The next spring, I received my inspiration, albeit in an unorthodox manner: I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
It was a severe and life-changing event. Fortunately, I caught it in time and was sent home from the ER with drugs and equipment instead of that AND further disabilities.
That year I decided to take a break from the BBQ, but the following year when I was ready to put the event back on, I had both my motivation and a reason: I would further the fight against Type 1 Diabetes by raising awareness for the condition and those who suffer from it while raising money in a way that felt personal and good.
That is how the Second Annual Van Hiller Rock and Roll Backyard BBQ came to be, and I found my calling to help the community in another way.
This was also a way for me to storytell for those who suffer from the disability, through my own experience, and in my own way: a backyard BBQ fundraiser.