Good Charlotte,Good Deed
My son was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago and had been in remission ever since. The family bought tickets to take him to see the GC show in Boca Raton Florida. He is a drummer and during difficult times for him, playing to GC kept him strong and his mind clear. Unfortunately weeks before the show (which was to be his first concert), we received bad news from a PET scan that left him and our family devestated. Everything around us began to collapse and we all became depressed and constantly frightened waiting on more test results. We thought we would have to miss the concert due to treatment, but found out the treatment would not start until days after. I really wanted to give my son something to lift his spirits and take his mind off of the negative. That's when I posted the original message "my son" on this site. I also began searching for other ways to contact the band to see if anyone could help me set up a meeting with the artists. Many GC fans sent in helpful advice. After many phone calls we finally found someone who passed on my message to the right person. Literally at the 11th hour we were told we could have 15 minutes before the show with a group of contest winners to take pix and get autographs. We were thrilled. My son was so nervous at the meet and greet he was shaking. When Joel Madden walked up and shook his hand, I told him Matt's story. He was so cool about it. Benji was next to him and he leaned in closer to hear the situation as well. They both spent time telling him that he had to be positive and gave him such encouragement. Billy Martin came next and told him that his wife showed him our post on their web site and he helped make this happen. When it came time to take a picture with him they called him over by name and put their arms around him. Afterwards everyone was asked to leave and I noticed Joel talking to his manager before he went back in. The manager took us aside as the contest winners left and told our family that Good Charlotte would like Matt and his whole family to watch the concert from stage. We could not believe their generosity. They ushered us back stage and gave us our backstage passes. During the concert Billy Martin came up to my son and asked him if he was enjoying himself, gave him a big smile, and shk his hand. That was a very cool moment for him. This kind of access was not expected and so over the top. When they finished,Dean Butterworth got down from his drums, walked over to my son and handed him his drum sticks. Matt was so stunned he couldn't even take them right away. He looked at me and said "Mom, this is the best day of my life". It only takes one person doing one little thing to alter someone's life. My son's life was made important by a group effort made by Good Charlotte and he will never forget it. Afterwards in the car ride home he told me he knew that nothing bad was going to happen to him due to his illness. Even if he's wrong, he believes that now. What more could I ask for? I thought you might want to hear about some very good people doing something really exceptional for a 14 year old boy.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by TINA on -
OMG that story is so touching. I just saw them in concert for the first time yesterday in Richmond, Va. I can't explain it but just the way Benji & Joel connect with the audience you know there is something special about them. They do not talk like they are celebrities...I honestly believe that they are still humble people and have not forgotten where they came from.
I live about 50 miles south of DC and I can really connect with alot of the things that they talk about in their songs(used to hang around w/ my BFF's in DC when I was a youngen).
Just wanted to say even though it was Hotter than Heck outside yesterday at that concert it was definately worth it. My 2 kids love GC (Kierstyn 16 & TJ 12). My daughter started listening to GC when she was in the 5th grade. She's going to be going into the 11th later this month. But because of her I became a fan...yes I'm a 41 yr old GC fan. My daughter says I'm down w/ GC. But yesterday at their concert I wasn't too far from the front of the stage and I know Joel was probably thinking to himself "look at that old lady in the crowd singing all the words to our songs" lol. It was great!! Loved it & can't wait for the next one!!! :)
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Permalink Reply by Beverly on -
Joel and the rest of GC love their older fans too. :) I love when Joel says 'the kids'. I told him once on his myspace, 'Thanx for calling me a kid'. :) lol At the first GC show I ever went to Joel pointed at me and sang. I think its awesome that GC has different ages of fans..from really young to older adults. :) It speaks well of this band that people of all ages can enjoy their music and their shows. :)
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on -
I have you beat, I'm 42 and I actually got my kids into the band. I agree, they are very humble people and it's so refreshing to see that. Our concert was unbearably hot too, but oh so worth it. I'm glad you read the story, it was an amazing evening.
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on
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Absolutely.
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Permalink Reply by justwanna-live on -
:) This is great!!!
I hope he'll be okay :)
I'm glad they did it. Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on
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Thanks, thanks, thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Marina on -
such a beautiful and touching story!
i'm all teary-eyed right now. i'm so happy
that your son had the experience with good charlotte.
They are total sweet hearts. i hope treatment continues
to go well for him. the photos are amazing!
:)
*hugs*
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on
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I know I cried too when he met them, just the look on his face and the way they treated him made me emotional. They are the best. Thanks for the nice words about treatment, I love to hear it. I love the pix too, I took alot!
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Permalink Reply by ImHappy1dering on -
I understand where you're coming from.
I too have a young family member who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on
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I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope it's treatable.
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Permalink Reply by kelly haney on
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k.
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Permalink Reply by Stephzilla (LittleMonster) on -
I'm so happy, I feel like crying.
People don't get how great these guys are. A lot of people only see the women they are dating in the public's eye, but in reality they couldn't have been any sweeter. They are so genuine to everyone, and I'm glad that Linzi caught wind of your original thread and everything unfolded as it should.
I'm really happy that the guys did all those nice things for your son, GC has a way of leaving thumbprints over people's hearts.
And I really hope that your son is doing well. If he reads this, honey just keep marching on, like the song. I know you're strong enough to overcome this, just keep fighting. Got you on my mind, babe. <3
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