I am hoping not to go on and on with this post, however this is one of those topics that often sends me into pouring out my soul. It is almost as if one needs to be there to experience it. This is our third year in sponsorship and attendance and it never changes the way I feel when Mattie’s mom Jenny gets up there to take the stage, granted this year I must admit that it seemed more difficult than that of the others as she has become more dependent on her breathing device, but none the less she is awe invoking when she speaks she simply moves me to tears by her courage and determination to have her son and his legacy remembered and the fight to cure MD through the raising of dollars to fund the research need to find a cure. Through something so tragic as the loss of all 5 of her children she is able to rise above and find the good in it all by sharing her story with others. My heart breaks every time…
However, I wish I had a million dollars to just give to this cause as I truly believe in the MDA and what all the ladies and gentlemen are fighting for over there. Keep up the good work … you get more from it than you can ever give!
For those of you who can even donate just $5.00 we ask that you please visit the website and donate in order to help these children and Mattie’s legacy live on. Watching Billy Gilman out there with the kids was amazing and to see year after year how many of us keep giving is overwhelming all by itself. To name a few: Bravo! Events, Gerard Murphy, Safeway, Mama Lucia’s, Larry King, Tamara Darvish, Jim McWhorter and Yasmin Adadian his wife, Kate and Bob Giamo, Donald and Hinda Kahn, Tony Perkins with FOX5 is another. Last but not least the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) USA and Canada with the awesome “Fill the Boot” campaign. I am sure that Mattie smiles down on each one of you!
Next time you see that boot and those fire fighters out there, please help to fill it even if it is just the ash tray change, it goes such a long way!
Thanks for doing such a beautiful job at the gala. This is a cause that is special to all of us firefighters. Thanks again, and keep up the beautiful pictures (I know you will!!!)