In November 2009, our friend Mat Arluck passed away after a long battle with cancer. At a memorial concert held by his friends and family a few months later, I learned that an organization called Grind for Life had helped fund his move from Chicago back to his parents’ home in Seattle where he spent his last days. Grind for Life provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances to doctors and hospitals.
From that year on, I’ve dedicated my birthday to Mat’s memory, and the memory of all of the loved ones we’ve lost to cancer. I ask my friends and family to donate to Grind for Life rather than buying me gifts. Together we’ve raised more than more than $21,500 for the cause.
Last year I sat my birthday fundraiser out, having just lost my mother-in-law Jo Anne to lung cancer. A few months later, my friend Linley’s son Bryson opted to stop treatment for his rare type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. Bryson’s illness inspired its own fundraiser, and Grind for Life stepped in to offer comfort and support to him as well. Sadly, in March 2022 Bryson passed on.
The Zine
This year I have more reason than ever to fundraise for Grind for Life. In memory of Mat, Jo Anne, Bryson, my grandfather, and so many others. But this time I want to do something different. I’m putting together a zine to benefit Grind for Life.
The Bake and Destroy Cancer Zine will contain vegan recipes shared by my favorite chefs, cookbook authors, musicians and athletes, as well as art, interviews, and other goofy content. Each zine will be sent out with a variety of swag donated by some of my favorite companies.
The Contributors
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed recipes, interviews, lists, artwork, and swag:
Kate Parnell (Garfield From Memory)
Bric-A-Brac Records
Betty Turbo
More to come, thanks!
