A Letter from Event Coordinator Tom Schuh
Friends:
Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. In my case, the inspiration for Bridget’s Battle was my wife Bridget, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2008. Bridget was treated at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center until she passed away in January 2014.
Those who met Bridget discovered her upbeat personality, and her strong will to enjoy a full, rich life
while fighting her condition. One of her greatest joys was music. We especially loved to go to our favorite musical hangout, The Dockside Inn, in North Tonawanda. We met there in 2007, got engaged there and even got married there! We spent many nights together listening to bands there, and occasionally gave karaoke our best shot.
Those nights led to the hatching of an idea to have a big jam session with all the Dockside bands. Once we started planning the event, it seemed right to ask for a small donation at the door, and Roswell Park was a perfect beneficiary. Our first Dockside Band Jam happened in the fall of 2010, followed by annual repeats in 2011 and 2012. Dan and Gloria Wingrove, the generous owners of Dockside, matched the donations at the door each year, and we were able to make significant
contributions to Roswell Park.
Unfortunately, Bridget’s condition worsened in 2013, and we decided not to hold an event that year. She was hospitalized and passed away in early 2014. Bridget’s memory inspired us to carry on in her honor, and Bridget’s Battle was officially born. We held the first official Band Jam event later that year, at Crazy Jake’s in North Tonawanda, and the Bridget’s Battle Foundation was created in
2017.
Through the incredible support of our musicians, foundation board, patrons, sponsors, vendors, and friends, we celebrated our tenth anniversary with our most recent Band Jam last November at Buffalo Riverworks! Over the last decade, at venues all over Western New York, including Brawler’s Back-Alley Deli, Pearl Street Grill and Brewery, The Cove, Banchetti by Rizzo’s, and Abbey Square, we have raised over $75,000 for the Roswell Park family, including our most recent donations to The Angel Fund, founded by Roswell Park benefactor Phil Hubbell.
Bridget’s Battle XI is being planned for later this fall, at a date and venue to be announced. Many of our talented performers have appeared at every one of our events dating back to 2010. In addition to all-day music, we will have plenty of prize raffles and themed baskets up for auction, a 50/50 split
raffle, available food and beverages, plus a few surprises! The $10 donation “at the door” will get you a guaranteed good time!
Our help provides critically needed funds, providing hope to the individuals and families touched by this terrible disease. Together, we can help find cancer cures and save lives.
Love and blessings to all,
Tom Schuh
President
Bridget’s Battle Foundation, Inc.