Friday, October 22, 2010

Oh, what a night!

"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."
~ John Andrew Holmes
 

Everyone in the room last night had to have felt "lifted" as we watched my dear friend stand in front of the crowd and speak from her heart. Over 400 people stood and watched and listened as her story unfolded.

The place was Gus Mayer, an upscale shop in one of our malls.  The whole store went "pink" for breast cancer.....the painted pink walls, the lighting, pink items for sale, the skirted fabrics on the tables....even the rosy raspberries in the champagne.  Many of the people there had pink on....the men sported pink ties, looking very dapper....and, many of the women wore all shades of pink from whole outfits to small bracelets. It was an incredible sight. 

Greeting me as I walked into the store was a huge, tiered, pink birthday cake that was perched on a silver holder....it was absolutely breathtaking.  Tables were set up with delicious foods and drinks were available at the many bars placed around the store. The joyous spirit could be felt all over as people saw old friends and made new friends.  Most importantly, we were all there for one singular cause; breast cancer research.

The birthday celebration was given by my friend, Carole, a breast cancer survivor, herself.  This unbelievable
night brought in  $65,000 to be donated to breast cancer research!  One night!! And, the store is still offering to contribute a percentage of sales for the rest of the month. Amazing....just amazing,  how one peson can make such a huge differerence in the fight against breast cancer.

Carole mainly wanted to honor her team of cancer doctors which she did so eloquently by making them the focus of  the evening.  But, she also spoke of her gratitude.  She expressed being so grateful for the love and support of her many friends and family....and, shared some intimate details of her life's journey. She is such a courageous woman.  I don't think that there was a dry eye in the place and I believe that we all left the event last night feeling a little different....in a very good way....our hearts were full.


It was truly a celebration of the heart....and, I was honored to have been a part of it.

1 comment:

Tabor said...

Nice post. Your friend is changing peoples lives with her challenge and the way she has accepted it.