South Florida Bands Pull Together for Tracy
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008My friend Steve Shurmatz (who I met when I designed a website for his company) told me some time ago about his long-time girlfriend Tracy and that she had some difficulties that didn’t let her work. He seemed upset by it so I changed the subject and we moved on to something else.
A couple months ago, Steve asked me for a quote for a website to raise awareness for Tracy and her condition. After giving me some details on what she was going through, chroic headaches and consistent pain, I quickly understood why Steve was upset years earlier. It was hard for me to hear let alone him speak about. After hearing the first 5 minutes about Tracy’s Story I told him I was on board and didn’t need any further convincing. Despite his repeated demands, I told him I was doing the website design and hosting for free.
I asked them to type up what Tracy had been through, the treatments she’d dealt with and medications she’s endured. I read it as I built the website and I’ve got to admit, I was in tears thinking that someone had to go through this for a few minutes, let alone years.
The site needed to be completed by December 7, because that was the date of a benefit concert a local pub, Cheers, arranged a half-dozen bands to play and raise money for a very special lady. The website was referenced on flyers and throughout the benefit, driving people to learn more about Tracy’s yet-undiagnosed suffering.
Steve invited me to come participate and I was glad I did, I got to meet his mom, greeted the members of the band he plays drums with, Wrecktifier and sat at a table with his best friend since school, Chris. The music played throughout the night was top notch and a just tribute to Tracy.
I was very impressed that all the bands traded instruments and stage with each other. In the past, I’d only come to see Steve play but a few other groups got a new fan that night. Their generosity amongst each other was brotherly and inspiring which set the mood for the night.
I was further impressed that people who’ve never met Steve or Tracy sent money to help. People from out of state. Wow.
My grandfather was not a prophetic man, but when I was little, he once told me something to the effect of, "In the absence of light, hope still shines." I am glad to have been able to help Tracy. She’s a delightful girl and despite what she’s going through, is still keeping her spirits up.
Sadly, the guest of honor that night wasn’t able to come. She was at home, trying to deal with the pain.
Please, go read about Tracy’s Story at her website and tell a doctor about her. She’s not asking for a handout, she’s asking for a diagnosis for what’s plagueing her. In the absence of medical attention, I am putting a PayPal donation button on the site with 100% of the proceeds to help Tracy Goldbach. This was my idea, not theirs. I know folks will want to do something. Please help.
