Billy's Birthday, Browns, and Blinds

We all have our Billy stories, from Ohio to Maryland and all corners of the world. Some stories are hilarious, some unbelievable, and some legendary and should be shared. Some should probably never be told again... But each one of those stories tells of a very special time, building a very special friendship with a very special man. Many of those Billy stories involve two of his absolute favorite past times: Browns and Poker!

If you know Billy you know he is a lifelong Browns fan and though his Brownies have yet to deliver the trophy, we've had so many great times watching the games together either in his basement or in the very early morning at the stadium tailgating with the enemy right smack in the middle of the Ravens Nest or amongst friends in the Muni parking lot in CLE. What better way to celebrate Billy's upcoming 50th birthday than another Browns/Ravens game in "the land" on 1 October!!! And the best way for him to attend and watch the game would be in one of the stadium suites. The accessibility and facilities in/around the suites will ensure that he has a great time but unfortunately is very expensive... Billy's loving family have begun his bday celebration planning and if you can join the festivities in the Akron/CLE area that weekend please let us know and we will send you all the details as he'd love to celebrate with you (but shhhhh, it's a surprise!!!) Whether you will be able to join us that weekend or not, we would be very grateful if you would consider helping us fund his bday weekend events.

As well, when Billy has downtime and he's not watching his Browns fumble the win in the closing seconds of every game...you could probably find him at a poker table! Billy was introduced to the game of poker over 10 years ago and instantly fell in love... though he still sucks. Since falling in love with the game he has dreamed of playing in its greatest event, The World Series of Poker in Vegas! The biggest hold-up for him playing in the tourney to date has been the extraordinary cost, as it starts with a $10k fee just to play and then you add all associated travel costs on top of that. When Billy was first diagnosed and called to tell me, he ended the call asking me to make him one promise - to take him to the WSOP! So, we would very much appreciate your help in sending Billy to the next WSOP (July). We would like to get him registered and start travel accommodations and let him know that he is going during his bday weekend. We'll make sure he's sitting down before we tell him...

We know that Billy is well loved, apparent by the outpouring of support, well wishes, and wonderful things said by so many leading up to and during his retirement sendoff. It meant the world to Billy then and now.

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for Billy. With your help, we can make sure that he has the best birthday ever!!!

p.s. IF we raise more money than needed for his 50th birthday weekend and WSOP event, the balance of donations will be provided to him and Heather to help subsidize increased medical and living costs realized by his condition.