With Drumsticks and a Rocker’s Spirit

Some might not see these as the best tools to fight the clinical diagnosis of a brain tumor.  Folks would rather talk about world-famous physicians, ground-breaking developments, and the latest cutting-edge treatments.

And these are important…but for survivor Allen Shellenberger, renown drummer for the rock band Lit, there are times when this battle can best be mounted someplace other than in a hospital surrounded by medical professionals.

Flanked by his musical brothers of over 20 years, positioned behind the arsenal of a drum kit, armed with a stick in each hand and a thunderous kick pedal underfoot, this inspiring musician may well fight his best fight as he shares his rocker’s spirit with fans across the world.

(Click to view Allen Shellenberger "My Hero" Tribute Video.)

If you are a musician, amateur or otherwise, you can understand.  Certainly there is a thrill to be found playing on a huge stage in a sea of thousands of screaming fans.  But there is also a thrill, a more personal one, in sitting down with a guitar, at a piano, behind the drums, whatever, and pushing all that energy through your instrument when no one else is around…because it’s just what we need to do.

We fight our fights in whatever way best suits us.  As I celebrate Allen’s spirit, I appreciate his tender weapons of choice: friends, family, laughter, music.  And I love this about him; he’s not laying down…and he has not put the sticks away.

Play on, my brother.

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(It is to be my honor to represent Allen Shellenberger, brain tumor survivor and drummer for the rock band Lit, in my running of the ING New York City Marathon 2008 on November 2 as a member of the Team McGraw charity endurance team.  To honor Allen and support brain tumor research and improved quality of life through the Tug McGraw Foundation, CLICK HERE.)

Comments

[Alesha]

Sounds like a cool guy! Thanks for all your work for this awesome foundation! See you next weekend!

[Christine]

Jeff...

Sounds like Allen has that "Ya Gotta Believe" Spirit.

Thanks for your support in running on his behalf in the NYC Marathon next month.

Rock & Run On!

[Steve Cibulka]

Great story, Jeff. Keep running, and good luck in New York.

Ya Gotta Believe...

[Kathy Brown]

Jeff, I've said it before; you are amazing. Keep on doing what you do!!!!

Good luck...YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!!

[Mike]

This is a great story, Jeff. You're an awesome writer.

[Tasha Powell]

It is so awesome of you to be running this coming weekend in the marathon. You are such an amazing guy to so many people. I enjoyed reading your blog about Allen Shellenberger. We need more people like you in this world.

Good luck in New York!

[Jeanne Hogan]

Rock on Allen and Jeff!!

[Vanessa Reeves]

Jeff,
You continue to inspire us all. You beautifully show me over and over how one man's candle lights the one beside him and keeps the whole world "Lit!!!!"

Run well my dear friend and God bless...

[Traci Wallis]

Hey Jeff! Hope your run is awesome!! Hope the weather holds up...as well as your knees!