When Storm Chasers head to a Gaelic Storm show, the last thing they would expect is to donate to a community cause but that’s exactly what happens.
Every year, Ryan Lacey, who is the drummer for the band Gaelic Storm, runs marathons for a cause dear to his and the band’s heart. Ryan, a LaGrange native, started running while on tour. He benefitted from the mental health breaks running provided while it being one of the few types of exercise that he could do anywhere on tour. When a friend close to Ryan and the band was diagnosed and later succumbed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, he began using his love for running to help raise money and awareness for ALS research. Marathons were the perfect way for Ryan to accomplish it.
“This started when a good friend was diagnosed with ALS and I wanted to find a way to support him through his journey and care,” Ryan stated. “From there, we continued to support ALS research and branched out to support cancer research. Making a difference matters to us.”
Over the last seven years, Ryan, with the support of his band members, Pat, Steve, Pete and Natalia, has raised money for causes that have touched or supported the community through charity marathon running.
This year, Ryan is raising funds to support Advocate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center, one of the few primary care clinics in the world devoted to adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. Ryan’s connection to Advocate started when he worked with the Helping Hand Center, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities in Cook County and the greater Chicagoland communities. As a professionally trained drummer, he helped guide a drum circle where adults and children could have musical fun while improving their drumming skills.
Joining Team Advocate for this year’s Chicago Marathon was the perfect way to give back to his community while also helping bring awareness to Down syndrome. Ryan always has a personal connection to the causes he supports, and this year is no different. A member of his extended family has Down syndrome and he’s seen first-hand the type of support and resources they need in order to thrive.
“While I’m the one running, the entire band is supportive of the causes we are raising money for,” Ryan added. “We pass the bucket to fans during concerts and share why we are supporting our yearly cause. The Storm Chasers never disappoint and always give what they can. In fact, we raised over $1,100 from one concert a few weeks ago. I’m proud to represent the band and the community while giving back.”
You’ll see Ryan running for Team Advocate in Chicago Marathon this October with his fellow bandmates and Storm Chasers cheering him on. You can make an impact by joining Team Advocate or supporting runners like Ryan.