As I’ve struggled with the challenges of Von-Hippel Lindau in my life these past few years (major surgeries each of the last two summers), I’ve also wondered what I could do to more proactively battle the disease.

During a discussion with my parents and college counselor last year, we talked about the possibility of putting on a fundraiser that would benefit the VHL Family Alliance.

At first, the plan was to have a small fundraiser/concert for friends and family – featuring me on guitar, playing some of the music I have written. Over time, however, plans for the event grew into something much larger.

Enlisting the help of my immediate family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, we invited several hundred people to join us for an evening of music, wine tasting and dessert under the stars. I called the evening VHLstock in the spirit of rock & roll. And instead of just me on guitar, we pulled together a whole band, featuring my uncle and me playing guitar, my dad on drums and my cousin playing keyboards.

Over 150 people attended and the event was a tremendous success! The event is something that has finally made me feel as though I’m doing something progressive for VHL.

Calvin and his family raised more than $10,000 for VHL.

Watch the vhl.org website for a link to a YouTube video from this concert.

Congratulations and thanks to Calvin, his family, friends, and supporters!

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 16:3, September 2008. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.