If you are attending SMX social in New York next week, I hope that you will put this event on your agenda.  

Internet Marketers of New York a non-profit group along with BOTW have joined forces to host an event where proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The IMNY Charity Event will be held at the Town Tavern Bar & Grill at 134 W. 3rd Street/6th Ave at 7pm on Monday 10/15/2007 and all internet marketers are welcome.  There is a $40 donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that can be paid at the door.  Your donation includes 3 hours of open bar networking (isn’t that the best kind?) as well as raffles and prizes at the end of the evening.

My son Ryan had a friend in kindergarten named Ryan Baker who was diagnosed with leukemia at 5 years old.  They were in a bowling league together and Ryan Baker loved to bowl because it was one of the few sports he could participate in.  He was very competitive and would get very excited when he’d bowl a strike, even on days when they’d come straight from him getting a spinal tap as part of his treatment (I was always amazed at his courage, he never let that bother him).  At the end of the bowling season, the boys got a trophy that was almost as big as they were.  It was their prized possession for a while until the excitement wore off.

A few months ago my son’s friend Ryan Baker passed away after a 7 year battle with Leukemia.  He was 13.  Our family cherishes the moments we had with him and the passion and zest he had for life at such a young age is inspiring.  

Ryan Baker is on the left and Ryan Boser on the right. 

My son still has that giant trophy and treasures it now more than ever since it’s all he has to remember Ryan Baker by along with a great photo and fun memories. 

We all know someone that either knows someone with cancer or has an experience or story to share.  This is a great cause and kudos to the group that put this together.  Thanks to Chris and Danielle Winfield for letting me know about it this awesome event.

If you are going to SMX, I hope that you will attend this event and force the BOTW guys to break out that Black Amex because they are covering the party tab (because they are cool like that) so that even more money can go towards the fight of cancer.