Meet Steve: Drumathon for little hearts
When you ask Steve about his first attempt at the Guinness World Record for Solo Drumming, he will tell you that it was a crazy experience. And it is a crazy experience that he will be attempting for the third time beginning Friday, August 14 at the Burlington Music Centre.In 2010, Steve had plans to run a marathon along the TransCanada Trail and raise funds for cancer research in honour of his sister. However, after suffering a knee injury that required surgery, Steve’s plans were put on hold … or at least that is what he originally thought until he heard about marathon drumming while listening to a podcast.
“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” said Steve. “But when I learned more about it, it sparked something in me and this is how my first attempt at the Guinness World Record began.”
With only six months to prepare, Steve began his attempt at setting the Guinness World Record for Solo Drumming, but after 73 hours of continuous drumming, exhaustion took hold of him and he had to stop. But in the attempt, he raised $20,000 for cancer research.
“It was tough,” said Steve. “It put a lot of stress on me, both mentally and physically. But it also lit a fire in me to want to do it again.”
"During our time at SickKids, we developed a whole new family."
After achieving the record, Steve thought his drumming marathon days were done. That is until his wife suggested they do one more drumathon, but this time in honour of their two-year-old daughter.
Steve’s daughter, Jersey, was born with a congenital heart defect and has had to undergo three heart surgeries at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). The family spent a year at SickKids, during which time they discovered Cardiac Kids, a volunteer group which raises much-needed funds for children suffering from congenital heart disease. Through Cardiac Kids, the family was able to connect with a network of parents who were experiencing similar situations.
“During our time at SickKids, we developed a whole new family,” said Steve. “Cardiac Kids became a great support for us. We would like to re-pay that by raising funds through Drumathon III.”
Drumathon III will take place at the Burlington Music Centre from Friday, August 14 to Wednesday, August 19. During this time, Steve will attempt to once again break the Guinness World Record for Solo Drumming, with a goal of 135 consecutive hours of drumming. All funds raised during this endeavour will be donated to Cardiac Kids, who will then invest the funds in the Labatt Family Heart Centre at SickKids.
Want to witness Steve achieve this amazing feat and help raise funds for a worthwhile cause? Come out to the Burlington Music Centre between August 14 and 19 to cheer Steve on. There will be lots of family activities on-site and, of course, lots of great music. A variety of bands and musicians will also stop by to jam with Steve and help him achieve 135 hours of continuous drumming.
On behalf of everyone at SickKids, we wish Steve much success in his bid to keep the beat going for little hearts.
