“No matter what school you go to, once a band kid, always a band kid,” Old High percussionist Ashtyn Shaw said.

Shaw was diagnosed with lymphoma a few months ago. The city has come together in an effort to raise money to help her family pay for her medical bills, selling bracelets that say “Team Ashtyn!”, and over all, just raising awareness.

At the Rider/Old High game, the band dedicated a pre-game show to Ashtyn. For this event, the Rider and Old High band combined on the field before the game and played the song “You Will Never Walk Alone,” as both bands’ color guards went through the stands to collect money for Shaw’s cause.

The band combination idea came about when Rider band director Loy Studer heard about Ashtyn’s diagnosis.

“My daughter goes to school with Ashtyn’s brother, and I heard about her diagnosis and decided what better way to help than in front of thousands of people, to raise awareness of cancer and what the Shaws are going through,” Studer said. “It’s great to have the privilege to do this because many people see us as just those people who cheer on the football team, and it feels great doing this for someone, no matter who they are or what school they come from. There was a lot of coordination between the two bands to get us all on the same page to make this event happen.”

Together, the combined bands raised nearly $4,000 for Ashtyn and her family.

“The whole thing was amazing,” Shaw said. “I didn’t really care about the money. That didn’t really matter to me. I was told about the bands practicing for two hours after school, and I just wanted to cry. I’m one of the most blessed people on this planet.”