Get Blake to South Beach

I caught up with Blake Dudley (left) with his mother, Celeste (right) at their hotel in Florida

Making Dreams Come True

March 12, 2013 by Ryan Ritter

It has been over two months since the BCS National Championship game and spring practice is just a week away. And yes, memories of that game are still quite painful; however, we should never forget one of the best stories to come from that game. The incredible story of Blake Dudley, the 14-year old boy, wheelchair-bound with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who had a dream, wrote a letter, and saw his dream come true. ...

Friday Roundup: The “What a Year” Edition

December 28, 2012 by Ryan Ritter

2012 has been an absolute whirlwind. Personally, I found myself changing jobs, a move that was a long time coming. Around the same time, I saw my responsibilities change here at HLS as well. All of sudden, I'm helping with a total redesign, fighting through the issues that redesign caused, and being named editor-in-chief. The next thing I know, I look up and the Irish are 12-0 with a shot at the title and joined in on a worthy effort to send a great kid to South Beach. And succeeding. The ...

Restore Your Faith in Humanity: Fundraising Updates

December 17, 2012 by Ryan Ritter

Saying last Friday was a rough day would be an understatement. I went from a serious high, being so incredibly happy that HLS had the chance to give back, to the lowest of lows once the news of the shooting at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Connecticut broke. We cancelled posts, and barely even promoted the other fundraising efforts that we talked about in the Roundup. However, I do want to share some good news on those efforts. Perhaps it will restore your faith in humanity. ...

Friday Roundup: The “Caring, Crystal Dreams, and Puppets” Edition

December 14, 2012 by Ryan Ritter

This year has been simply fantastic for HLS. Not only did we hit a major milestone not too long ago, but we've been fortunate to have seen some moderate success from a monetary perspective. We actually were able to offer a small payout to the HLS staff, but, being the selfless Domers that they are, requested that the money be pooled together for a donation to charity instead. In the spirit of Christmas, a season of giving, this Roundup will be dedicated not just to HLS giving back, but to ...