2 minute read
BATTLIN ’ BBQ
LOCAL CHARITY HELPING LOCAL FAMILIES
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the children and families affected by childhood cancers and to emphasize the importance of supporting families during these devastating conditions. Battlin’ BBQ was created to help provide financial support for families devastated by childhood cancer. Treatment outcomes for children with cancer have made tremendous improvements over the past 50 years, but the reality is one in five children with cancer will still die of their disease within five years. Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. That’s why gold is the official color for childhood cancer awareness – it symbolizes how precious children are and recognizes their courageous strength.
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Battlin’ BBQ is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing relief for local families whose children suffer from cancer. There are aspects of life that we’ll never fully understand, and children getting cancer is highest among them. Cancer is a debilitating and devastating disease even for adults but when it attacks children, the impact is shattering. A cancer diagnosis can financially devastate a family almost immediately. While insurance often covers a least a portion of medical expenses, it is the other, day-to-day family needs that are often left unaddressed. Through their annual fundraisers, they are able to provide relief for these families.
It all started when a high school friend, Shane Martin, received a devastating diagnosis for his son Aiden Martin. He reached out to a friend, Brian Yoder, to assist with a small fundraiser selling bbq plates for the family. Brian then reached out to other mutual previous Ingleside High School friends to help and that was the start
of an entire community rallying together. Towards the end of their inaugural event that took place in June 2018, the group gathered stating, “Now what?” In that moment, they realized they could do more and continue to support and enrich the lives of local families fighting childhood cancer. Every year their events are complete with a BBQ cookoff, horseshoe tournament, live music, raffles, food, and vendors. Due to their passion for truly helping families, 100% of proceeds are given to the families battling childhood cancer.
Battlin’ BBQ has strengthened and inspired a community to be a light in the darkness.
Here’s how you can help support their mission:
• Register to compete in their annual IBCA BBQ Competitions • Purchase raffle tickets • Become a Sponsor for an event • Register for corn hole or horseshoe tournaments • Donate money, items to gift or raffle • Attend an event • Get involved and volunteer • Share with friends and family!
