Michael Schneider, known by most as Happy, the stunt guitarist for the rock institution, Hairball, was diagnosed in 2018 with Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer. Happy hit the ground running to fight for his life. He underwent 6 chemo therapy treatments and 28 radiation treatments. This was followed up by an esophagostomy surgery and another 6 rounds of chemo. Happy was considered in remission for almost 2 years before the cancer returned. In October 2020, scans revealed the cancer returned in the same spot and in another area near the diaphragm. At this time, surgery is not an option and doctors feel there is no cure. However, with the daily advancements in medicine, along with Happy's unwavering will to fight for his life, his family; wife Mandy, sons Chace and Hunter, his cherished friends and for Rock & Roll, everyone involved is as optimistic as ever!

His close friends couldn't be satisfied with just being optimistic. The only thing they could really physically do was to conceptualize and throw a benefit. So they did!

ANNOUNCING THE #TEAMHAPPY BENEFIT

All proceeds go to supporting Michael 'Happy' Schneider’s medical bills, trust & legacy.

The Battle

Happy's Story

I told my mom to take a photo as soon as I got out of surgery.
I didn't see any of these photos until two years later.

Healing along with having a feeding tube due to not
being able to eat solids and gain weight.

Healing...

...and more healing.

Smiling because I'm close to coming home after surgery.

Enjoying my chemo infusion.

Another infusion and I wore my wounded warrior to remind myself
that people have been through a lot more than me.

My friends Kim and Michelle drove down from Duluth to surprise me at an infusion.

Ringing the bell on my last radiation treatment in 2018.

A Day of Support
and Celebration!

Let's show our love, appreciation and support for the decades of entertainment that Happy has served up to all of us, on a heavy metal platter and help him, his wife, Mandy and sons, Hunter and Chace get through these tough times.

This is a family-friendly, all-ages event featuring non-stop live music on two stages with Hairball headlining along with special guests. The special guests will be announced periodically right up until show day. There will be a silent auction (with some really awesome stuff!) on-site along with great food & drinks at the amazing Rockwoods in Otsego Minnesota. You aren't going to want to miss this!

Your presence is requested but not required to help!

Can't make the benefit but want to be involved and help Happy? No problem! You can participate from anywhere as long as you're connected to the web! Click the banner below!