Those of you who know me best, know that I spend alot of time and energy supporting both the American Cancer Society and the Susan G Komen Foundation. It's my passion. You can probably guess why. Like many of you, I watched family members suffer, fight and still fall victim to the disease. It was after loosing my first grandparent to cancer, I decided I couldn't just sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to act. We're all in this together.
It never ceases to amaze me the passion so many have for the fight against the disease. This month alone, I helped with an all day concert benefiting the Komen Foundation and not one band in the lineup took a dime for their work. That same weekend, I also hosted a packed house event for the American Cancer Society's annual Forum and Fashion Show. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than annoucing our models for that. They are no normal women. They're all survivors of breast cancer. If you want to be inspired by people who truly appreciate life, attend next year. Hope is all over the runway. It's that hope that keeps the movement inspired. As the ACS says, we want a "world with more birthdays. " I always tip my hat to those who fight for the same. That's why I want to acknowledge my friend Joe Munsch and his company and their campaign called "Take A Swing at Cancer."
Joe is the CEO of a Dallas based golf course management corporation called Eagle Golf. (www.eaglegolf.com) They have 75 golf courses around the country. If you're a golfer, you've likely played one of them. Cowboys Golf Club by the Gaylord Texan. Or maybe you're an East Texan and have enjoyed the beautiful Links at Land's End. If you're a golfer or a fisherman, you should check it out. It's a family favorite of ours. (www.golflakefork.com) Joe is a very good friend and a good man. What he's thrown his effort behind, is proof.
Today, Eagle Golf held a luncheon where they presented a check for $211,306 to Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation. Lance Armstrong's mom was even there to show her appreciation. When I heard about the news, I was so proud and wanted to share it with you, in hopes it will inspire us all. The money raised came from green fees, raffles, auctions, tournaments. You name it. Eagle Golf did it. LIVESTRONG needed help and Texans stepped up to the plate.
I wanted to share this story with you because in a world of sometimes bad news, there is so much good. 200 thousand dollars may sound like just a number to you. But, when I hear it, I think of my beloved grandmother and the doctors diagnosis that there was "nothing more we could do but wait." When I hear 200 thousand dollars for research, I think of my sweet Papa Joe and his head of thick silver hair thinning until finally completely fallling out. It was devestating to watch. And it only got worse as we heard the words "the cancer had spread."
Sure my grandparents won't have another birthday. But because of those who support the American Cancer Society...because of those who donate their talent to a fundraising concert for Komen....because of businessmen like Joe Munsch and the Eagle Golf team who recognize the need, someone else will.
A world of more birthdays taking place literally...one swing...at a time.
