When Mitch and I started this campaign back at the first of March it seemed as if those 10 weeks would last forever but much to our surprise time just flew by and before we knew it we were here...it was the big night. Our group worked so hard together to make this happen of course for Mitch but mainly for David, his parents, his family and his friends. David was a special guy there is no doubt that his presence in our lives made us better people and he can never be replaced. Leukemia took David away from us but it doesn't have to take ANYMORE lives and that is what we are fighting for...to one day see this diagnosis as only a bump in the road to a long successful life for patients. I get emotional every time I talk about this because it has become personal to me. I wasn't around for many of the years that Mitch and David were friends but what I was around for was the time period since and to see the way David fought and others continue to fight can't help but make you want to get involved and do more. I have now met so many through the association of the David Adams Memorial Fund that have loved ones that are battling a blood cancer and now through the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and those faces are in my mind and on my heart t...those are the ones that we still continue to fight for...
Such a wonderful event, everything was just beautiful and we were surrounded by family and friends who came to show their support and hopefully honor a true hero.
So proud of this guy for all the hard work, late night phone calls, emails and texts he sent out on behalf of this campaign.
A few of the candidates for Man and Woman of the Year with the Girl of the Year.
Recognition of all the candidates for their contributions in raising collectively over $150,000 in just 10 short weeks.
and it came the time of the night when they would announce the winner and with tears in my eyes I can say we did it!! You see this was special to Mitch and I because we didn't have any big name corporations or business partners involved in our campaign is was plain and simply a grass roots effort on our part to contact friends, family members, community members asking for their support. In total we raised over $50,000 in that 10 week time span for our campaign. Mitch said once he had never asked anyone for money and it felt so odd to him to do so...but once he got the hang of it he was unstoppable. He asked everyone he knew to give whatever amount they were able. We had ten gifts to thousands donated from individuals just wanting to be a part of something special for David.
Mitch accepting his award from the Girl of the Year, Tecumpssy. He gave the best speech that night and Dawn Scott, the news anchor/ emcee for the evening even asked if he was ever going to stop! But the best part was as I turned around to see David's parents in the audience with tears in their eyes I knew that they understood more than anyone that David's battle will never be lost because this group of people that loved him so dearly will continue to fight on and make sure other families never understand the loss they feel every day.
Mitch with Mr. Adams and his wife.
A group of the core guys that have helped to keep this campaign and the memorial fund going each year.
The group with David's mom, Carol.
pretty sure Mitch made a funny here...
Most of the group that came that night to support our campaign. I know we are missing a few here but such a special night we were able to share with some very special people. I really wished the girls could have been here to see daddy but unfortunately B's preschool graduation was the same night so Nana and Pop stepped in to take the girls to that event while I went to support Mitch.
But the next morning this one was all smiles as daddy told her how proud he was of her and presented her with his special flowers.
Upon arrival back to the real world after the high of the night before we were back out to the ball fields for some more action. AB was ready and did an awesome job all weekend playing in her first softball tournament...
her team even took home the second place trophy!!
that next week B was back in action and this was the first time I had actually let the dad's on the team step up and coach and was able to play mom, doing what I do best taking pictures and screaming loudly!! She got some good hits and several base runs so she left feeling pretty excited!
A little after the game pep talk and snacks and these kids were ready for the next game...go Pixie Chicks!
AB at it again that next week with another game and another base hit!! That is the best part is seeing that smile when she hits the ball and gets on base. She always turns around to make sure we are all watching!
Proud of this girl for stepping up this year with the pitching machine and not letting it intimidate her one bit!
As always Nicki and Pop were both of the girls loyal supporters all season long!
May you find in this post inspiration from our blessings, hope for a future and happiness in the here and now!!!
