Dispatches from Athens

OK, so apparently there is yet ANOTHER Cieslak relative out there blogging:

Michael--Gary's oldest son, and my nephew--is journaling his experiences while studying abroad.

Or is that studying a broad?

Check out his site:

http://roaminruminations.blogspot.com/

That's Mike in the foreground--I think the picture captures his personality perfectly!

Benefit Concert for VHL a Success!

In August of 1969, about a quarter of a million kids converged on Max Yasgur’s farm near the sleepy village of Woodstock in upstate New York to listen to 32 of the biggest names in rock music, and come together for an historic weekend of peace, love, and music…

Big deal.

Exactly 40 years later, my seventeen year-old nephew Calvin Cieslak threw a backyard party that totally rocked!

With the help of many friends and family members, Calvin arranged “VHL-stock,” “an evening of desert, wine, and music,” as a way to raise awareness of Von Hippel-Lindau disease, and garner donations for the VHL Family Alliance Cancer Research Fund.

When he was 12, Calvin was diagnosed with this rare genetic disease that leaves him vulnerable to tumors on his eyes, spinal cord, and adrenal glands. He’s already had three delicate surgeries to remove such growths—including one on his retina!

But by all measures, the event was a complete success. Initially, the family was hoping to raise about $5000 for the Cancer Research Fund. But the finally tally was over eleven grand!

Thanks to everyone who attended, and all who donated so generously…

After the show, rumors of a VHL-stock II were already in the air!

(Thanks to Joel Lifter for the photos...seems none of the Cieslaks remember to bring a camera!)

For more of the story, go here...or here...