RUN WITH RYAN!

Storm Chasers--

As many of you know, some in Gaelic Storm are known to be committed (and a little crazy) runners. We have run some marathons together in the past. In 2019, we ran the Milwaukee Marathon and raised nearly $10,000 for a great cause in Milwaukee.

This year, I'm excited to be running in my hometown of Chicago, IL in the Chicago Marathon on October 9. This year, I'll be raising money for Advocate Health Care, a great organization in Chicago. Advocate Health Care is a nonprofit health system, and they provide a wide range of healthcare programs. I'm earmarking the donations to support their work with people with Down Syndrome.

A little back story now. Outside of Gaelic Storm, I teach drums in the Chicagoland area. I've been lucky enough to participate in some of the music therapy programs through my work as a music teacher in my community. One of the organizations I've worked with is Helping Hand, which is another nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with Down Syndrome in the greater Chicago area. They offer some amazing programs in education, employment, and therapy for these people.

I've been lucky enough to volunteer as a teacher in Helping Hand's music therapy programs, and have had a profound connection to the work and good that these programs do for people with Down Syndrome. And so, I am happy to be helping those with Down Syndrome, their families, and the caretakers who help them via Advocate Health Care.

This year I've set a personal goal of $10,000 to be raised. It's a big goal -- but I think the Storm Chaser faithful and their friends are up to it!

You can donate via Advocate Healthcare's website with a few clicks HERE.

I really appreciate your support -- even if it is just cheering me on during this 26.2-mile race, or helping spread the word.

Cheers,

Ryan