LIVE: Guitar Hero MS marathon

Dillon Stockman and Chris Dirks are taking up some unconventional weapons in their battle against multiple sclerosis.

Armed with a plastic guitar, faux drums and the indomitable spirit of rock and roll, the lifelong friends will devote Wednesday to a 24-hour video-gaming marathon that they hope will raise $10,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“It will be pretty difficult if we didn't play so much,” said Dirks, 18. “After about 18 hours or so, gamer fatigue really sets in.”

The pair know what lies ahead. They did it last year and raised $1,800 from local businesses and donors. This year, they're determined to beat that mark.

“It's important to be able to do something positive, you know, make a difference,” Dirks said. “Hopefully this year we'll have more luck.”

They will start their “24 Hours of Rock” at 8 a.m. tomorrow in the Monticello City Council chambers.

Stockman and Dirks have been avid players of the “Guitar Hero” and “Rockband” video games for several years.

“It didn't take long before we were known around school as the ‘Rockband' guys,” Stockman said. “It's one of those things that never stops being fun.”

One day while hanging out in Stockman's basement, the two mused over how they could put their talents to good use.

“My mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago,” Stockman said. “And doing something to help her and others by putting on a gaming fundraiser, it just kind of clicked.”

Stockman said he kept last year's fundraiser a secret from his mother until just six days before the event.

“It was my Christmas gift to her,” Stockman said. “It took her breath away for a few seconds. I just wanted her to know I love her.”

Last year's effort was pulled off with only a month of preparation. This year they've had a lot more time to plan. The two have sent out letters to local businesses, talked to neighbors and gone door to door to raise money for their effort. And with the tough economy, it's been slow going.

“We're expecting quantity over quality with donations,” Stockman said. “But every little bit helps.”

Dirks and Stockman are hoping that their 24 Hours of Rock webcast, along with a silent auction, will help broaden their donor base. Anyone wanting to contribute money can do so over their webcast through GazetteOnline.com or by reaching them by phone at (319)-480-8925.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/24-hours-of-rock

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