Earlier today, I was mentally composing my thoughts about how two
events of the last week brought together the melanoma community in different
ways. And now, within the last few
minutes, a third amazing demonstration of the love of melanoma nation has taken
place. But let me talk about the first
two first.
About a month ago, I asked folks if they’d be willing to donate to a
raffle/auction to be held at the upcoming MRF walk in Apex, NC. Honestly, I figured I might receive a couple
items in addition to my BITNP shirt and coffee mug that might fit nicely in a
little basket. What I’ve received is a
kitchen table full of boxes of items received from across the country and
Canada! Scarves, calendars, bracelets,
stationery, a CD…all sent from people touched in different ways by
melanoma. In fact, far too many items to
fit in one basket, so I’ll work with the event organizers to best utilize the
items for maximum fund-raising. Thanks
to every person! The response was truly
touching.
The second gathering of melanoma nation took place as our own Chelsea Price walked the red carpet and spoke at the Skin Cancer Foundation’s big gala in NYC last night. (I almost titled this
blog, “Another Blog About Chelsea’s Big Night…J
). I personally ate dinner with my eyes
glued to my tablet as I waited for updated photos from the Skin Cancer
Foundation’s (SCF) website and tweets.
The funniest moment was when they posted Brooke Shields’ photo on the
red carpet, and the Rev. Carol chimed in, “That’s nice, but show us a photo of
Chelsea Price!” The SCF obliged moments
later with a stunningly beautiful photo of Miss Price.
I have a feeling others felt the same pride
as I…and also noticed that her expression seemed to say, “WOW!” and “WTF is
happening?” at the same time. What an
amazing night for Chelsea…and what an amazing night for us all. If nothing else, SCF felt the presence and
importance of the online community.
Thirdly, as I logged on tonight, I received a private message to my
BITNP page. It was from a gentleman named
Justin Eakes that read as follows:
Hello, I know this is last minute but I am having a memorial service
Sat. 13th, for my wife who just lost a 2 ½ year battle with melanoma
Oct. 4th. I was wondering if
you knew of a place that I could either overnight or buy in Kansas City, small
black ribbons that we could hand out to everyone who is coming to the
service. If you know of anything like
that or similar, that would be great. If
not that is ok too.
Thanks for any help, and sorry for being last minute the thought just came to
us today.
Justin Eakes.
Within 15 minutes, over 20 people responded with prayers, thoughts, and
even offers to make him ribbons and overnight them! I sit here in amazement to the magic this
group can perform.
We all told Chelsea how proud we were of her…and I’m here to say that I
am SO proud of each and every person in melanoma nation. Melanoma doesn’t stand a chance against a
love-force such as ours.
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