Posts filed under: Story behind the Bat
Going Gold for Grace
Posted on September 05, 2018 | Posted under Battle, Childhood Cancer, Gold for Grace, How you Live, Story behind the Bat, Why you Live | 16 Comments
Crafting our first-ever gold colored bat back in 2015 was about so much more than a pretty color. It was about honoring one of the smallest and bravest heroes we have met.
In May of 2015 the Byrd family was busy juggling work and family as they raised their 15-month-old triplets Grace, Elizabeth, and Thomas. On May 22, their world was turned upside down when Grace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Nothing can prepare you for a cancer diagnosis. Especially a cancer diagnosis for your own young daughter.
Surviving triplets is one thing, but parenting triplets while navigating chemotherapy treatments, multiple hospital visits, a weakened immune system, etc. is almost impossible to comprehend. But the Byrds used every ounce of energy to help Grace fight the battle and in September of 2017 she took her last dose of chemo and she has been free of cancer since. We will never forget attending the End of Treatment Party for Grace! It was the best kind of celebration!
In baseball, every “at-bat” is a battle. But “winning the battle” took on a new meaning for us as we watched Grace fight for her life. It was our sincere honor to craft a gold bat for this brave warrior! And yet, since making her bat we have seen that fighting cancer is really not a battle. It is life-changing and complex. To say somebody lost their battle to cancer implies that person could have done more to win, but we know that is not the case. Cancer outcomes are determined by the tumor type, stage of cancer, and available treatments. “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live” – Stuart Scott (former ESPN anchor who died of cancer).
As we witnessed the Byrd’s battle with cancer, we were shocked to learn how little funding goes towards childhood cancer research. Only 4%! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so please spread the word and let’s do better than 4%. The Childhood Cancer Awareness ribbon color is Gold. Let’s Go Gold for Grace and all the other brave children fighting to win the battle!
The Byrds have registered a fundraiser with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer to help make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. If you would like to donate, please use this link: http://cookiesforkidscancer.org/fundraiser/rockwall2018
Spencer Speirs – “Safe At Home”
Posted on November 16, 2017 | Posted under Dad, Inspiration, Safe at Home, Son, Story behind the Bat, Texas Timber | Leave a Comment
Throughout the years, Texas Timber has crafted bats for heroes of all types! We are excited to share these personal stories “behind the bat.” Thank you all for allowing us to be part of your story, we are truly honored and humbled to have connected with so many incredible families and individuals.
Spencer Speirs – “Safe At Home”
November 2017
When we heard Spencer’s story, we were instantly touched because he was simultaneously dealing with one of life’s greatest joys, the pending birth of his son Wyatt, while also dealing with the reality that his time on earth was limited. His condition was so serious, no one knew if he would be able to witness the birth of his own son.
Spencer was a longtime baseball fan who enjoyed attending Texas Rangers baseball games with his Grandpa Charles and his brother Seth. The love of baseball runs deep throughout the family. His sister Hannah Speirs is currently known as the Texas Rangers Dancing Usher and is an inspiration and encouragement to so many.
Spencer wanted to share his love of the game with his son in hopes that Wyatt would remember his dad’s passion for baseball. Spencer’s condition continued to worsen, but on February 3, 2014 we were full of joy to hear Spencer witnessed the birth of his son! We had the honor of making a baby bat to commemorate Wyatt’s birth.
Twenty one days later on February 24, 2014 Spencer passed away. As a tribute, his brother Seth requested a bat with the inscription “Safe At Home.”
Once he gets older, Wyatt will be able to hold the baseball bat his father once held. And although their time together on earth was too brief, it is heartwarming to know these two generations connected on earth and will reconnect someday in their heavenly home.
