First, Jerry was right there with me., and he looked amazing! When we pulled his tux out of the closet a few weeks ago, we were pretty sure it would need some alterations. The seamstress however said it would cost almost as much as a new tuxedo, and that they would never be able to make the shoulders look right- he looked like a small child in his dad’s suit. So, knowing we have a large number of these events this time of the year, we bit the bullet and ordered a new one and I thought he looked so handsome.

The next thing that made the night so special was our dear friend Terri, who has been battling cancer for several years now was recognized for her many contributions toward seeding funding for pediatric cancer research. Rally Foundation has been in her heart since B B Abbot, Chippers sports agent asked her to come to the gala years ago. Terri is one of the most wonderful and generous ladies I have ever met. It is hard to see her sick, and suffering- she paints a brave face and keeps searching for others to help. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the recognition, and I was so pleased her friendsChipper  and Brian McCann helped to escort her.

Childhood cancer sucks. I am amazed that we live in America, and have to tell children there is a shortage of Vincristine- the only cancer drug that will in many cases keep them alive. Why is this horrible decades old brutal form of treatment with all its horrible side effects the best  we can do for our babies?! Why is childhood cancer the leading cause of death by disease in our kids, and less than 4%of research money is directed to study the causes? 

We should do better, we must do better.

Lastly, reflecting on the beauty of the night and how thankful we were to be part of it- we somehow landed on the subject of Joyce. Joyce is the CCU nurse that hopped on Jerry like a spider monkey and began his life saving CPR when he coded in the hospital. We have been to Piedmont several times to thank them and visit. But Joyce works nights- and like the spider monkey, has been elusive to catch. So there we were at midnight, strolling the halls of the hospital in ball gowns- but she was there, and Jerry finally got to meet her! It was beautiful, and I was so thankful I thought it would burst.