Help Brian Fight Cancer

In 2009, Brian had an idea that he brought to a group of us who were the beginnings of the marketing committee for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.  The idea was to showcase the whitest, finest sand in the world on our beloved Siesta Key beach by bringing a world class sand sculptor competition to Sarasota, Fl.   Through partnering with Mote Marine Laboratories and garnering the support of many entities in town, and with many volunteers by our sides who are still with us producing this festival today, we launched the first Siesta Key Crystal Classic in 2010.  This event has morphed into a festival that is attended by over 50,000 people every November.  It is the largest competition of its kind as it features only teams of two, thereby producing some of the largest sculptures anywhere.   Brian is the founder and creator of this wonderful event and every year, he personally designs the layout and the group carve theme that is created by 24 artists.

Many of you have known Brian much longer than I, but I know that the love and admiration I have for him is much the same between us all.  Before I go any further, if you do know Brian, you also know that he would never ask anyone to do this for him.  In fact, he is very humbled by the fact that he has received so many responses to the beginning of this medical journey which began Monday, May 1st.  

But life is funny in how at times it presents you with obstacles that almost seem insurmountable.  For Brian, he is positive that he will become healthy again.  It is the overwhelming cost to go through chemotherapy and radiation at the same time, having no medical insurance that has him worried - not just for him but for his family too.  So I asked him if it would be okay for me to start this page for him - I told him that there is no obligation for anyone to do anything and some people are unable to give but can show support by sharing or sending him a message.   Every little bit will help him along the way through his journey.

Please consider sharing this page with others.

Maria Bankemper