Dylan Kuehl's name enter my life via a flyer at my kid's school for a Michael Jackson tribute band. My kid's school isn't the epicenter of cool flyers - not that ballet, theater and soccer aren't cool. A Michael Jackson tribute band sings a little louder.

After being drawn into the flyer, I noticed the drummer, Dylan Kuehl, has Down syndrome - and that the show was not only a tribute to the late great M.J., but also a fundraiser for South Sound Parent to Parent and Up With Down Syndrome Support Group, both local nonprofit organizations that support individuals and their families with disabilities.

I learned Kuehl, 29, began playing the drums at age 3. I learned Kuehl is a huge fan of Michael Jackson and was tenacious about getting his fellow musicians to join him. I also learned his ambition spills over into other creative aspects of his life - Kuehl is also a self-employed, award-winning artist.

Four months after the flyer incident, I've become a friend and a fan on the Michael Jackson Tribute Band Facebook. If you are too, then you know Kuehl and other musicians from Rhythm Fire School of Music and Performance are gearing up for their "Heal the World" tour set for June 2013. The tour will take them to around this state, California, the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.

"Dylan uses his clear, articulate and humorous speaking style in the USA and internationally to advocate for himself and others with Down syndrome and other disabilities," says Terri Rose, Kuehl's mom and events planner. "He proves, by example, that living life with Down syndrome is not the obstacle it is often perceived to be."

The morning of Saturday, March 9 you may help make the dream to "Heal the World" come true. A benefit breakfast will take place at the Applebee's in Lacey, where a $10 donation will score you pancakes, sausage, bacon scrambled eggs and choice of milk, juice or coffee served by the band.

A 20-family garage sale, direct on-line pay pal and live performances are also scheduled to help raise funds for this worldwide event.

APPLEBEE'S, SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 8-10 A.M., 525 SLEATER-KINNEY ROAD SE, LACEY, 855.753.3646