If you haven't watched the latest video update from Dustin, get on it. They are cinematic gold to say the least.
This post is for everyone looking for a way to help out Dustin.
If you are upset you didn't get a ticket for the Beef, Beer, and More fundraiser. Don't be. There will be plenty more events. And the fact that this sold out so fast, is a very good sign. If you're really bummed that you "wanted to support Dustin", well there are still more ways to do this.
- More than anything, as Dustin said in his video...VISIT HIM!!! Dustin loves company and, as he put it, contact with "the outside world". This is beyond easy, and probably means the most to Dustin. Whenever you get a chance, take some time from whatever you have going on, and spend it with Dustin. It's easy to set up, text him, e-mail him, or hit him up on Facebook. He'll eventually get back to you.... and selfishly speaking, you'll probably get just as much out of it as him.
- As always, another easy way to help, is to donate. There is a previous post on the blog that explains just how easy that is.
- Dustin still likes letters... send them to Dustin Myers 108 Church Rd. Malvern, Pa. 19355
- Buy a ticket for the Tattoo Raffle. They are still on sale, and the winner will be picked February 28th, $25 for a $250 tattoo, all proceeds go to Dustin. Info listed in the blog.
- Prayer... Seriously, whatever your belief system, or lack thereof may be, don't underestimate it.
- Come out to the Out & Back Party Run on April 23rd. All proceeds go to the ALS Hope Foundation... so in a way, you are indirectly helping Dustin. We have a team set up, its The Human Fund... and if you haven't noticed the trend, read the blog to find out about that.
- Any questions about what the family may need, contact Mandy Myers at amyers1179@aim.com.
- And probably the easiest thing you can do, read the blog, repost it, tell people about it, etc. You never know who may read it that can help in some way. I'm not a member of the family, i'm not a doctor, or anything like that. Dustin's just a good friend that would be doing the same for me. I am not the be all, end all for ideas to help Dustin. I'm probably the last person in that department, so if you have something you want me to throw up here, let me know.
So yea, there's more ways to help out and support Dustin than by coming to a Beef and Beer. Some aren't as glamorous, or as fun as others, but they all go to the common goal of helping out Dustin.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Out & Back Party Run April 23rd
Thanks to Katie Beauchamp for setting this up. Please read below. This is a great way to support ALS and Dustin. Although the money raised through this event does not directly go to Dustin, it does go to the ALS Hope Foundation.
The directions below explain everything there is to know about this event. It'd be awesome if we had a huge group of people come out and show their support for Dustin. Whether you're a track star, or you just learned how to walk, you can come out.
If you want to do it, and are afraid you won't know anyone else, welp, bring a friend, and problem solved. Everyone running/walking fastly will know each other, or at least have Dustin in common, so come out!
And seriously, the other teams in this thing, quite possible have the worst names imaginable, that alone is worth running in this. Read below...
What is the "Out & Back Party Run"?
- For 14 years the Out & Back Party Run has been place to run and be seen on a Friday night in April. This is a 4 mile, flat, relaxing run along West River Drive with a beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline. After the run, food, beer (must be 21) and music await your return on the private grounds of Lemon Hill Mansion. In general, this is just a great running tradition that ends with a great party! And all levels of runners welcome!
Why do I want to run 4 miles?
- This year's race proceeds will benefit the ALS Hope Foundation; the goal of the ALS Hope Foundation is to accelerate the search for a cure for ALS by supporting innovative ideas, promoting collaborative research efforts, and attracting more researchers to the cause of ALS. Plus there is food and booze at the finish line :)
When and where is it?
- Friday 4/23 - 7pm (Preregistration and bib number pick up opens at the Art Museum apron on 5:30pm Friday 4/23)
- Art Museum - Philadelphia
- Since we have a team created, the cost of registration is approximately $27, instead of $30.
How do I register?
- Please go to this link
- http://www.active.com/
register/index.cfm?CHECKSSO=0& and follow these steps:SUBEVENT_ID=1299063&TEAM_ID= 773980&EVENT_ID=1827703& ticket=ST-343910- FZYiC1p6nCtAwSqMXNYt0XvgBjQMcy Wjez0-sso2 - Click the "Register Now" button
- Within the Registration Form, select the "Team Registration" category and select The Human Fund from the drop down list. The password is "dustin". - this is required when signing up for the team
- Continue through registration and pay
- We need at least 10 people to register to qualify as a "team", so please pass along to as many people as you know!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=353176136053&ref=mf
Monday, February 22, 2010
Video Update # 2
Here's a brand new video update from Dustin himself...
I left in some stuff instead of editing it out, since the majority of the time we filmed this we just made fun of each other.
It's not the fanciest video, but I figured people would want it up sooner than later.
I left in some stuff instead of editing it out, since the majority of the time we filmed this we just made fun of each other.
It's not the fanciest video, but I figured people would want it up sooner than later.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Beef, Beer, and More update
MORE UPDATES ON THE BEEF BEER AND MORE FUNDRAISER. PAYMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 15TH, OR TICKETS WILL BE RESOLD.
I know I said that I would just update the Beef, Beer, and More post, but I figured this was important to put up separately.
You can either meet up with Aaron Thompson or I in person to pay, or send ticket payments to
820 Cottonwood Drive
Malvern, Pa. 19355
The Beef, Beer, and More page on the blog has more details.
I know I said that I would just update the Beef, Beer, and More post, but I figured this was important to put up separately.
You can either meet up with Aaron Thompson or I in person to pay, or send ticket payments to
820 Cottonwood Drive
Malvern, Pa. 19355
The Beef, Beer, and More page on the blog has more details.
A letter about Dustin
I met Dustin probably sometime in elementary school. We didn't go to the same school, we went to the same church and would see each other in Sunday School when we would begrudgingly go because our parents made us. We didn't even really like each other.
A few years later, we were willingly going to the church's youth group. I was really into punk rock, and looked like and admittedly looked like an idiot. All Dustin cared about was sports. For one reason or another, we became friends. We were both lucky enough to get involved with a ministry called PFR, now known as YCM. They put on large scale summer camps across the country that cater to Jr. and Sr. High kids.
We first attended as campers, and couldn't get enough. When we were too old to do that, we came back every year to work as staff for them, one or two weeks out of the summer. We were even lucky enough to be a part of their Conference Summer Staff, and travel the country working at all of their camps for a summer. Currently, Dustin and I both serve on one of their camps' planning teams.
As campers, we really only went for a few reasons; It was a week away from our parents, the games and rec tournaments were fun, and mainly, the girls were hot. Eventually, we realized there was a lot more We've joked for a long time that PFR/YCM should change their slogan to "Come for the girls, Stay for the gospel".
Chuck Neder, the founder of YCM has been a long time, for the lack of a better word, a "hero", of ours. We used to joke around that he was on a whole other level than us. Probably because we never knew when to say when, and stuck around YCM long enough, we got to know Chuck.
Below is an e-mail he sent to people involved with the ministry in one way or another.
Dear YCM friends and family:
I want to share with you as briefly as I can about a visit I had to Philadelphia earlier this week. I went to Philadelphia to visit a friend who has been involved in our ministry since he was eleven years old. His name is Dustin. Dustin actually committed his life to Christ at his first Great Escape. Since then, he has been to every Great Escape Northeast (presently TGE Johnstown). Dustin has served as a counselor, on work crew, and he now serves on the planning team for TGE Johnstown, heading up the platform program. He is truly a phenomenal young man.
The reason for my visit to Philadelphia was that last year, Dustin was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since last year, Dustin has lost use of his legs, his arms and is now loosing his voice. The disease is progressing incredibly rapidly. As I sat with Dustin last night, I was impressed with a number of things. I loved the way the Johnstown planning team is surrounding him with love and care, especially his good friend Steve, who also serves on the planning team. His long time youth leader, Harry, is a contractor and has gotten other contractors in the area to refit his mother's apartment to accommodate his special needs. Tim, a friend of Dustin's throughout the years and a pastor in the area, stops by to visit Dustin on a regular basis, as does Elizabeth, Liz, Carl, and other planning team members. I really saw the body of Christ in action in Philadelphia and it was a beautiful thing.
While up there, I had the opportunity to have dinner with our Johnstown planning team. As we fellowshiped together, we talked about the impact of Dustin's situation on us and how it impacts our own view of God. We had a very rich time talking about these things.
As I had a little private time with Dustin, he assured me that he was OK with God, although he had a lot of questions. Dustin said he had good days and bad days...but he also said it could be a lot worse. As he said those words, I wondered to myself how it could be much worse? A young man in his prime, full of life, struck down with this terrible disease. His attitude and his spirit so deeply ministered to me. He told me was has planning to go to the March 5th Planning Team meeting, but didn't know how he'd get to the hotel. I assured Dustin we'd get him there, no matter what it took.
I asked Dustin what his dreams were for the the future. He said he really wanted to attend The Great Escape, but that he probably didn't have the funds or resources it'd take to get him there. I assured Dustin that if his goal and desire was to attend our camp, we would make it happen. Also, his friends are planning a fundraiser for him in April. Dustin majored in journalism, wanting to be a sports broadcaster. His friends have lined up DELETED BECAUSE IT WILL SPOIL SURPRISES, and to date, they have sold over 350 tickets to it. I believe it is even sold-out.
I asked in the subject of this email if what we do through YCM really matters. Sometimes when we spend all day looking at numbers, finances and logistics, and you see kids come and go, never hearing from them again, you do wonder if what you do makes a difference. Then a situation liked this happens. You take a trip to Philadelphia to spend time with Dustin who met Christ at 11 years old at Great Escape and has walked and served with the same friends for over 15 years, and now you see those friends caring and loving him through his battle with this disease. Yes, you realize, what we do does matter.
As Dustin's good friend Steve said to me before I left, "People say to me, you are doing so much, but I say to them, not really, he is my friend and he would do the same for me."
I hope you are encouraged by this story as much as I was.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey and for helping us love kids.
Chuck
I'm not sure how many people will appreciate that e-mail. But Dustin and I both teared up as we read it. Check out YCM's Website.
...... Onto other news,
Dustin and I filmed another video update that should hopefully be up in the next few days. This one requires editing, so be patient.
I think i fixed the first video, so go check that out.
Check back soon. Make sure you send in your payments for the Beef and Beer if you haven't yet!!
A few years later, we were willingly going to the church's youth group. I was really into punk rock, and looked like and admittedly looked like an idiot. All Dustin cared about was sports. For one reason or another, we became friends. We were both lucky enough to get involved with a ministry called PFR, now known as YCM. They put on large scale summer camps across the country that cater to Jr. and Sr. High kids.
We first attended as campers, and couldn't get enough. When we were too old to do that, we came back every year to work as staff for them, one or two weeks out of the summer. We were even lucky enough to be a part of their Conference Summer Staff, and travel the country working at all of their camps for a summer. Currently, Dustin and I both serve on one of their camps' planning teams.
As campers, we really only went for a few reasons; It was a week away from our parents, the games and rec tournaments were fun, and mainly, the girls were hot. Eventually, we realized there was a lot more We've joked for a long time that PFR/YCM should change their slogan to "Come for the girls, Stay for the gospel".
Chuck Neder, the founder of YCM has been a long time, for the lack of a better word, a "hero", of ours. We used to joke around that he was on a whole other level than us. Probably because we never knew when to say when, and stuck around YCM long enough, we got to know Chuck.
Below is an e-mail he sent to people involved with the ministry in one way or another.
Dear YCM friends and family:
I want to share with you as briefly as I can about a visit I had to Philadelphia earlier this week. I went to Philadelphia to visit a friend who has been involved in our ministry since he was eleven years old. His name is Dustin. Dustin actually committed his life to Christ at his first Great Escape. Since then, he has been to every Great Escape Northeast (presently TGE Johnstown). Dustin has served as a counselor, on work crew, and he now serves on the planning team for TGE Johnstown, heading up the platform program. He is truly a phenomenal young man.
The reason for my visit to Philadelphia was that last year, Dustin was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since last year, Dustin has lost use of his legs, his arms and is now loosing his voice. The disease is progressing incredibly rapidly. As I sat with Dustin last night, I was impressed with a number of things. I loved the way the Johnstown planning team is surrounding him with love and care, especially his good friend Steve, who also serves on the planning team. His long time youth leader, Harry, is a contractor and has gotten other contractors in the area to refit his mother's apartment to accommodate his special needs. Tim, a friend of Dustin's throughout the years and a pastor in the area, stops by to visit Dustin on a regular basis, as does Elizabeth, Liz, Carl, and other planning team members. I really saw the body of Christ in action in Philadelphia and it was a beautiful thing.
While up there, I had the opportunity to have dinner with our Johnstown planning team. As we fellowshiped together, we talked about the impact of Dustin's situation on us and how it impacts our own view of God. We had a very rich time talking about these things.
As I had a little private time with Dustin, he assured me that he was OK with God, although he had a lot of questions. Dustin said he had good days and bad days...but he also said it could be a lot worse. As he said those words, I wondered to myself how it could be much worse? A young man in his prime, full of life, struck down with this terrible disease. His attitude and his spirit so deeply ministered to me. He told me was has planning to go to the March 5th Planning Team meeting, but didn't know how he'd get to the hotel. I assured Dustin we'd get him there, no matter what it took.
I asked Dustin what his dreams were for the the future. He said he really wanted to attend The Great Escape, but that he probably didn't have the funds or resources it'd take to get him there. I assured Dustin that if his goal and desire was to attend our camp, we would make it happen. Also, his friends are planning a fundraiser for him in April. Dustin majored in journalism, wanting to be a sports broadcaster. His friends have lined up DELETED BECAUSE IT WILL SPOIL SURPRISES, and to date, they have sold over 350 tickets to it. I believe it is even sold-out.
I asked in the subject of this email if what we do through YCM really matters. Sometimes when we spend all day looking at numbers, finances and logistics, and you see kids come and go, never hearing from them again, you do wonder if what you do makes a difference. Then a situation liked this happens. You take a trip to Philadelphia to spend time with Dustin who met Christ at 11 years old at Great Escape and has walked and served with the same friends for over 15 years, and now you see those friends caring and loving him through his battle with this disease. Yes, you realize, what we do does matter.
As Dustin's good friend Steve said to me before I left, "People say to me, you are doing so much, but I say to them, not really, he is my friend and he would do the same for me."
I hope you are encouraged by this story as much as I was.
Thank you for walking with us on this journey and for helping us love kids.
Chuck
I'm not sure how many people will appreciate that e-mail. But Dustin and I both teared up as we read it. Check out YCM's Website.
...... Onto other news,
Dustin and I filmed another video update that should hopefully be up in the next few days. This one requires editing, so be patient.
I think i fixed the first video, so go check that out.
Check back soon. Make sure you send in your payments for the Beef and Beer if you haven't yet!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Just checking in...
Just a very short update, nothing of major importance. Just so that people didn't think the blog went anywhere...
Dustin and I are working on a new video, get ready for it.
Also, check back on the Beef, Beer, and More page for any updates regarding that. For now tickets are SOLD OUT. But like I said, check back to the page, if any open up, it'll be posted on there.
If you haven't sent in your payment for the tickets, please do so soon. Details on payment can be found on the Beef, Beer, and More page.
The Tattoo Raffle for Dustin still has a few more days left. Hurry up and buy tickets if you are interested. Don't be one of the people saying "i've been meaning to get a ticket for that"...only to be a week late. Action Action Action.
Better yet, even if you aren't interested, please repost about the raffle...remember, all proceeds go to Dustin, so that's a very easy way to help.
That's all for now. More updates to come.
PS. Dustin still likes visitors.
Dustin and I are working on a new video, get ready for it.
Also, check back on the Beef, Beer, and More page for any updates regarding that. For now tickets are SOLD OUT. But like I said, check back to the page, if any open up, it'll be posted on there.
If you haven't sent in your payment for the tickets, please do so soon. Details on payment can be found on the Beef, Beer, and More page.
The Tattoo Raffle for Dustin still has a few more days left. Hurry up and buy tickets if you are interested. Don't be one of the people saying "i've been meaning to get a ticket for that"...only to be a week late. Action Action Action.
Better yet, even if you aren't interested, please repost about the raffle...remember, all proceeds go to Dustin, so that's a very easy way to help.
That's all for now. More updates to come.
PS. Dustin still likes visitors.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Update on Dustin
If you are new to the blog, and would like to know what it's all about. Please check out Dustin's Situation.
A big thank you to Michelle Miller, and Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers!!
Mike Richards was kind enough to sign a Flyers Winter Classic jersey for our good friend Dustin. Needless to say, it made Dustin's night, and it meant the world to him that someone he admires would take the time to do this.
Another big thanks to Frank Fitzpatrick and Merrill Reese of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Merrill was kind enough to send Dustin a signed copy of his book, as well as a CD with his greatest play calls for the Eagles.
And lastly, Don Thompson brought over a small group from Paoli Presbyterian Church to visit with Dustin. Here's a shot of Dustin, his mom, and Emily Yispelkis who made him this Phillies blanket.
A big thank you to Michelle Miller, and Mike Richards of the Philadelphia Flyers!!
Mike Richards was kind enough to sign a Flyers Winter Classic jersey for our good friend Dustin. Needless to say, it made Dustin's night, and it meant the world to him that someone he admires would take the time to do this.
Another big thanks to Frank Fitzpatrick and Merrill Reese of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Merrill was kind enough to send Dustin a signed copy of his book, as well as a CD with his greatest play calls for the Eagles.
And lastly, Don Thompson brought over a small group from Paoli Presbyterian Church to visit with Dustin. Here's a shot of Dustin, his mom, and Emily Yispelkis who made him this Phillies blanket.
Monday, February 1, 2010
DONATE DONATE DONATE
If you would like to financially donate to Dustin's care.
All donations can be mailed to:
Friends of Dustin J Myers
108 Church Rd
Malvern, Pa.
19355
Check can be made out to Friends of Dustin J Myers
Please note, if you have questions about tickets for the Beef, Beer, and More fundraiser, they can be answered on the Beef, Beer, and More page.
All donations can be mailed to:
Friends of Dustin J Myers
108 Church Rd
Malvern, Pa.
19355
Check can be made out to Friends of Dustin J Myers
Please note, if you have questions about tickets for the Beef, Beer, and More fundraiser, they can be answered on the Beef, Beer, and More page.
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