The 1st annual “Double D Give Back Bash” is designed to support worthy causes in
Northern Kentucky and is a way for both The Drysdales and Doghouse to give back to
the community that has supported them over the years.
We hope to make this an annual event, but only “you” will dictate the progression of
this event based on “your support”!
This year’s recipients are Max Bishop and Shawn Schwarz.
Please read below to learn more about each recipient.
Max’s story:
Max was diagnosed with a rare bone marrow failure illness called severe aplastic anemia (SAA) for which
he received a bone marrow transplant (BMT) in April 2007 when he was 8 years old. He is seen every
year for BMT follow-up visits and this year during his visit on April 10, 2015 his blood tests showed some
critically low results. He was followed very closely over the spring and summer months but as his
condition continued to deteriorate it was determined that his SAA was back and he would need another
bone marrow transplant which took place September 16, 2015. Max’s younger brother Anthony was his
donor for both transplants which took place at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC).
Aplastic anemia is a disease in which the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells for the body.
The 3 types of blood cells your body needs are: red blood cells (to carry oxygen), white blood cells (to
fight infection), and platelets (to control bleeding). When all 3 types of blood cells are very low in
number, the person has severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Aplastic anemia is rare. In the United States,
about 600-900 people are diagnosed each year, according to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International
Foundation. Aplastic anemia occurs more frequently in eastern Asian countries. It can affect people of
any age, but it is most common in young adults. For most cases, the cause is unknown. There are some
rare inherited diseases, such as Fanconi anemia, where SAA can develop over time in some patients. The
cause of Max’s SAA diagnosis is unknown. Max would like to donate the proceeds to further research on
determining the causes of severe aplastic anemia.
Shawn’s story:
June 17th of this year, I went for my yearly mammogram and mentioned a lump in my right breast
during a routine self-breast exam. The technician encouraged me to request a diagnostic mammogram
and ultrasound from my doctor. The following week on Monday June 22nd I was diagnosed with Grade
2 DCIS invasive ductile carcinoma. After several weeks of tests, we were given the news that my cancer
was hormone driven but that my recurrence was only 4%. My doctor said I was like getting an A++ on a
research paper and that I was the perfect candidate for a lumpectomy. However, he gave me the option
of a double mastectomy if I felt it necessary to alleviate any opportunity for the cancer to come
back. After much thought and prayer, I decided to go with the lumpectomy and ovary
removal. September 2nd I underwent my lumpectomy, removal of my ovary and a sentinel node biopsy
( this was to make sure my cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes). My doctor was very confident
that he got all the cancer. We received the news that my nodes were clean the following week and that
I would not need chemo. I begin radiation Tuesday Sept. 29th. It will be every day for 4 weeks. This is to
ensure that all any cancer cells that might have been missed are killed.
I have chosen to give to the Holbrook-Minning Fund through the St. Elizabeth Foundation in honor of
Kate Geiger. Kate died from breast cancer when she was just 54. She was an active member of St.
Phillip and a graduate of Bishop Brossart High School. For the last 9 years, St. Phillip health ministry and
St. Elizabeth sponsor a walk at Pendry Park in honor of Kate and all those who battle breast cancer every
year. St. Henry Cross Country participates in this walk as their team’s service project and encourages the
student body to do the same. My family and I participate in the walk every year, and we walk in
memory of my grandma, who died of cancer when I was 16. The money raised goes will provide
financial assistance to all cancer patients. The funds are used to assist with expenses such as medication
coverage, groceries, gasoline cards, utility bills, etc.
Please join us for a night of fun and music, all to support Max, Shawn and the
foundations that have supported them!
Date: November, 28, 2015
Place: The Madison, Covington
Buy Tickets on-line ($15; $25 the night of the event, if not sold out):
http://www.madisontheateronline.com/shows/2015/11/give-back-bash
Time: 7:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.; bands start at 9:00 p.m.)
Great friends and great music – supporting great causes!
See you there and god bless!
Doghouse and The Drysdales!