Hello, my son is a junior in the Southmoore High School Marching and Concert Bands. He plays French horn and mellophone. He loves it and he is good. His name is Alek and we are extremely proud of him; we love to listen/watch every time he and the band perform.

I can't deny, it gets expensive. We have been able to keep him in band through fundraising and our personal financing. However, last year presented us with a challenge. His dad, Alan, had a stroke and was eventually forced to resign after 27 years in construction. His dad has since been receiving Social Security, but he's too young for Medicare. A month ago, his father had open-heart surgery and we missed some fundraising. Now, Alan, is fighting an infection in the incision and money is extremely tight. I have been on disability due to my own health issues for 25 years. I am doing this to ask if anyone could PLEASE HELP KEEP ALEK IN BAND!

Alek has been through a lot and he is a wonderful son! I want him to pursue his dreams and not worry about if he can participate because we don't have enough money. I know some will say, "That's life, no one said life is fair," and whatever else you might muster.

That is okay. We have done pretty well until now. I can only ask and pray that someone can help him.

The band fees are $3,000.

This year's fees are for a trip to Indiana for the Bands of America competition. The fees pay for charter buses, hotel, meals, gas, instructors needed through the season, and other competition entry fees.

We have already paid for shoes, shirts, a pregame meal plan, and he will still need to have money for other competitions, food, souvenirs (patches for his jacket), and if needed, we have to pay for a pianist and a number of other things that come up through the year.

The doctor told us yesterday it will be a while before Alan is healed. He is on a wound vac and they may have to open him back up to remove some exposed wires.

I am praying we will not miss any of the performances, as I have not had to yet.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS TO ALL!