Dear John,

My youngest son Vincent and I met you yesterday at the end of the festival when you let Vince go on the stage to watch Tommy Castro’s band play. He was in heaven being up there. What a way to cap off a full day (11 hrs) of Vince be-bopping to the music! Nothing else holds his attention quite like the blues. I was really taken a back when you said you wanted Vince to be a Blue Star especially after I had just met some incredible Blue Stars and their parents who inspired me by their courageous stories. I comprehend the heart wrenching pain these parents face as they have to watch their children struggles, although, I can’t fathom the thought of loosing a child. I was so touched, I feel compelled to share some inspirational moments I experienced yesterday.

Right after Vince watched his brothers Brady (guitar) and Ryan (keyboard) play their set with the YBBB, we headed over to the main stage and saw Madeline sing. What a sweet voice! and what a sweet girl. I watch who had to be her mother in the crowd emotionally video taping her daughter singing. I later discovered I indeed had spotted Madeline’s mom when I went up to their booth to meet Madeline and her parents. I loved the story behind the jewelry that Madeline makes on her journey thru life. As I am sure you already know, since Madeline’s body does not produce her own red blood cells, she produces red blood cells with little red specks on the back of all her handmade jewelry pieces. Talk about putting a positive spin on such a hardship. They are quite a family. While I was making my purchase, it just so happened that you came over with another young Blue Star (I think you said her name was Emily) to meet Madeline and I overheard her asked you, “Am I a Blue Star?” She seemed to light up when you told her she was. Such an innocent question and answer revealed what a great thing you are doing for these kids, making them feel special while giving the gift of music.

I got to talk to Colin, your 1st Blue Star, for a second time yesterday. I had met him a while back in Boulder at the benefit you had at Blues and Greens. The YBBB got to play that benefit also. Colin just reminds me how precious life is. He is such a strong young man dealing with the pain and lethargy he endures. He was such a gentleman pretending to remember meeting me over a year ago.

Later in the day, I was learning more about BSC at the booth. I was told the story about a request by a Blue Star for a stand up bass and how one was dropped into your lap shortly thereafter by a man that was about to donate his bass to a school but heard about the request and decided to give it to BSC. That story gave me goosebumps.

As if you had nothing better to do, you were johnny on the spot when Zack, the YBBB drummer, passed out after falling down and hitting his head. As it turned out he did have a concussion. The BSC staff/volunteers were so helpful in that situation. Like you said, I had a hell of a day and you were right. I got to meet so many remarkable and giving people. All that I learned and experienced are the kind of things great books and movies are based on.

All day long people in the audience were so gracious to Vincent, it really warmed my heart. People went out of their way to show they recognized and appreciated his sincere enthusiasm. This included Austin Young who always takes time to talk to his biggest fan, Vince.

At the end of the night when you waved Vince and me over backstage (the man working security insisted we meet you), I was a bit apprehensive because I was certain you had plenty to focus on as the fest was coming to a close. While you had Vince up on stage glued to the band, I had the opportunity to I meet two more Blue Star moms. Courtney Hanes and another mom who is mourning the 1 year anniversary of the loss of her daughter. They candidly shared with mef their struggles fight for their children’s lives. They told me how their kids had a magical connection to each other. BSC opened the door not only for those kids to connect with each other, but also for two hurting moms that seem to draw strength from one another.

I hope all of this brings to light how amazing Blue Star Connection is and how it positively impacts so many lives, mine included, by getting to be a witness to ripple effect of giving.

Sincerely,
Carren Hutchinson