Hi there!  So today I want to talk about beer.  No need to check your web address, you are in the right place!  Beer may not be a big topic of conversation on MOB but in this case, it is important because it is my favorite beer of all time: Drifting Buoy.  Small disclaimer here, my brother started Drifting Buoy but it is by far the BEST beer I’ve ever tasted.  And while this post is focusing on the amazingness of his beer, there is also an extremely worthy cause that I would love your support for, so please check it out towards the end of this post.

Drifting Buoy was founded in 2010 in a tiny apartment in Massachusetts by Andrew Nilson. Andrew was looking to put his engineering degree to use in a more creative way than just his steady job, so he turned to beer.

Creating his own brewery from scratch, Andrew was taken the DIY facet of homebrewing to heart by building Drifting Buoy piece by piece and developing recipes through much trial and error.

The first batch of beer he made in that small apartment kitchen left something to be desired, but through lots of research, experimentation and hard work, Andrew has gone from making beer that no one would drink to an award-winning brewer who can barely keep his kegs filled long enough to be enjoyed by all those seeking it out. At Drifting Buoy, we brew it ourselves and don’t hesitate to share it with others. 

Ok, now for the part where I need YOUR HELP!  In 2012, my brother was diagnosed with colon cancer.  At the age of 27, this was extremely rare and unlucky.  He had just gotten married less than six months ago and it was obviously a complete and horrible shock.  We stood behind my brother has he underwent surgery and a round of chemotherapy.  We are so happy that his doctors took excellent care of him and he came out on the other side and has had clean scans ever since.  To go through something so terrible at such a young age is very life altering but, in character with my brother, he took it completely in stride and decided not to let his diagnosis define his life.  Instead, he joined up with a group called First Descents.  From their site:

First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.

My brother has been involved with them for several years now and has gone on several trips with them including Moab, Utah for rock climbing and The Gunks in Shawagunk Ridge, NY for rock climbing.

In order to keep these events free, experienced First Descenters must fundraise for the members.  My brother’s most recent trip to The Alps in France and Italy was for rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, mountaineering and hydrospeed. They even climbed the Gran Paradiso in Italy!  

In order to go on this trip and fund other cancer survivors, he must fundraise.  So on October 11, 2015 my brother is hosting this amazing fundraiser in Hudson, Ma and it is a BEER TASTING FUNDRAISER!  He will be providing his own craft homebrews for tasting as well as raffles and games.  The event is at Hudson Elks Pavillion (99 Park St) and the suggested donation is $20.

His fundraiser is not just for himself but for other cancer survivors who want to feel empowered to live beyond cancer by attending these programs and pushing themselves physically and mentally.  The program is so much more than a trip, it also offers a chance for other young adults to share their experience and offer each other support.

I got to taste the beer that will be featured at the fundraiser!

Now, since I know a lot of people can’t just swing by Hudson, Ma on October 11th, I would so truly appreciate it if you would consider donating to his cause (and I promise you that when his beer hits shelves, you’ll be the first to get some freebies!).  You can donate here.  And please remember that the proceeds go not just to my brother but to First Descents and the many other young adults whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Readers, thank you so much for your continued support.  I love you all!