Greetings,
Back in February I covered a special benefit for Shaymus Guinn, who is suffering from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. This one is near and dear to the heart’s of myself and The Sandcarvers, as Shay’s parent’s, Tony and Karla Guinn are both former Sandcarvers themselves and still close with us all.
While the event in February raised over $32,000 to help defray cost’s, Shaymus is … well, (this is hard, folks) let’s just say he’s not out of the woods by any stretch …
Here’s a little background:
Shaymus Guinn, only son of Tony and Karla Guinn was diagnosed with cancer around Thanksgiving 2008.
Shaymus had a lump just under his right knee. He was not complaining of pain but had been limping on and off during his fall soccer season. To make a very long story short, after numerous tests from various facilities, it was concluded that Shaymus has Ewing’s Sarcoma, a cancer of the bone. The tumor on the right leg extends down the tibia, up through the knee cap and just into the femur. He also has five “hot spots” of Ewing’s located on his left leg, each clavicle, and two bones of one arm. The primary treatment for Ewing’s is chemotherapy, along with surgery, stem cell harvesting and replacement, and radiation as possibilities. His chemotheraphy will be up to a year in length and take place every 2 to 3 weeks as an in-patient.
I’m gonna be brutally honest here, folks; things don’t look good right now as I write this.
Anyway, There’s going to be a benefit concert for Shay, Tony and Karla tomorrow night on the campus of Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. Here’s the lowdown on CorbinStock:
May 7, 2009
Corbinstock: Music Festival and Fundraiser for Shaymus
Time: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Corbin Hall upper level parking lot lawn area
(Rain location @ Olson Hall Dining).
Parking available along Adams St.; in front of Simpkins & Sherman Hall.Description: Corbinstock Free Music Festival & Fundraiser for Shaymus
Entertainment by: FLATFOOT 56, Empires, Letters of Concord, Waiting for May, A Sold Out Setback and Marcos & the MacDaddy’s.
This event is to support Shaymus Guinn, the 7 year old son of Tony and Karla Guinn. Shaymus was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer, and their family needs our help!
This is a free event! However, there is a $2-$3 suggested donation…give what you can.
We will also be selling tie-dye t-shirts, bandannas, and glow sticks, and the best part…100% of the money raised goes directly to Shaymus’ family!!!
Contact Information:
Megan Thurston
Phone: 309/298-3328
Email: ME-Thurston@wiu.edu
Here’s a little video I threw together with some info on the show and stuff:
Thanks to Megan Thurston for the visuals for this.
So, I know a few of you readers are out in the western Illinois area … I ask you to get on over there tomorrow night, catch some great music and dig deep for Shay, okay? And, if you can’t make it and are so inclined donations are still being accepted here:
If you know Tony. Karla, or Shaymus through soccer, friends, work, The Sandcarvers or family please consider attending and donating to this event. The Guinn’s have given to so many people …. it’s our turn to give back.
Thanks.
