The Do-Over(67)
“He is so charismatic.”
I laughed, “He hasn’t even spoken yet.”
Holding up his hand, with a smile, to still the crowd. “Thank you.” His hand went to his heart, “I’m humbled, truly.” He waited for the crowd to quiet, before continuing.
“Survivors, Supporters, Friends – Thank you all for coming out tonight to the C-Kicker Kick Breast Cancer to the Curb Annual Gala. As many of you are aware breast cancer struck my family for the second time recently, and in late August, I lost my only sibling to complications from the disease. Unfortunately, I don’t have a unique or rare story, because there is no one in this room whose life has been unscathed when it comes to breast cancer.
“I’m not going to stand up here and spout statistics. I don’t need to. This epidemic has become everyone’s personal tragedy. Tonight you’ll be hearing from doctors working on groundbreaking treatment, which is very exciting and you’ll also be seeing the premiere of a series of hard-hitting and very poignant Public Service Announcements. After tonight you will be seeing these PSAs all over your TV and in digital advertising.
“This year C-Kicker teamed up with O’Donnell & Associates to create this signature campaign. You know the old saying ‘A picture tells a thousand words,’ well, I think a video gives us an intimate glance into a chapter of a person’s life. They allow us into their world and together we experience a journey. A very human journey. Throughout the evening, we’ll be spotlighting personal stories of some very courageous individuals, their families, their doctors and their support teams.
“It is my hope that three things will come from this. First, as we all know, early detection is the key to a successful outcome and I hope these stories will motivate women and men to make screening a priority. Second, for everyone in this room, I ask that you take to heart the stories you will hear tonight and then dig deep in your pockets to support the Breast Cancer International Research & Support Fund. There are manned stations throughout the room for donations as well as online touchscreens located in the Silver Corridor. And last but not least, it is my hope that this evening will leave you with hope. Hope that as a community we can come together and support patients and their families throughout their challenge and that we can support the research necessary to develop effective treatment that is not worse for the patient than the actual disease.
“I have hope. Tremendous hope. That in my lifetime we will make the necessary strides to ensure that this heinous disease will no longer be claiming lives and destroying families. I have hope that together we can raise the funds critical for the brightest research minds to have the resources they need to find cures for the multiple forms of breast cancer.” He paused for a long moment, but didn’t move from the podium.
“I have hope.”
I squeezed my eyes shut at the emotion in his voice.
And then the stage lights went out. We all sat in total darkness for a mere second before the room erupted into applause and then the screen behind where Wes had been standing lit up and one of our PSAs began to run. By the time the lights came back on, women were digging in their evening bags for tissues and men were trying to discreetly dab their eyes with their napkins. Patrons began to make their way over to the manned donation stations and out into the Silver Corridor.
“Mom,” Scarlett turned to me, “you made that?” She was in awe.
“Well, this handsome guy wrote it.” I rubbed Jonathan’s shoulder. “And that handsome guy is the one that makes everything we do look good.” I nodded toward Jamie.
Jill was overcome with emotion. Dabbing at her eyes, “I’m so proud you invited me to be part of this whole process.”
My heart was glowing with pride and momentarily the What Ifs faded into the background. Tonight, I felt blessed. Blessed that not only did my career allow me to express my creative passion, but with projects like this, it impacted both individuals and the world in a very positive way.
As we ate our soup course, a researcher walked us through his work on detecting circulating cancer cells in the bloodstream. His presentation was followed by another one of our videos and I was pleased to see even more people head to the donation stations. The PSAs were resonating deeply with the crowd.
“Oh my God, our song,” I heard my daughter gasp.
Turning to her, I followed her gaze. Standing on the dance floor, a few feet from our table was Wes, first pointing at Scarlett, and then crooking his finger for her to come to him. Practically knocking over the chair in her haste to get up, she ran out onto the dance floor and with huge smiles the two began to dance and sing along to Walk the Moon’s Shut Up and Dance.
“Well, that’s quite the love affair.” Laynie looked surprised.
“I’m glad.” I watched the two of them cutting up on the dance floor. “Frank has been so inconsistent with her that I’m glad Wes is showing her that no matter what or what not his relationship is with me, that he still values her.”
“He is one attractive man,” Jill threw in her two cents.
The song came to an end and Meghan Trainor’s duet with John Legend Like I’m Going to Lose You began and my daughter drifted effortlessly into Wes’ arms for the slow ballad. I watched as they chatted like two long lost friends catching up with one another. My heart was melting and aching at the same time and I could feel the lump forming at the back of my throat. I was angry. Angry at myself for not pushing Wes to listen to me that night on the boat and let me tell him about my tryst with Julien before he and I became lovers; angry at Wes for pushing me away the way he did, but, at the same time, happy he had the maturity and character not to take that out on my child.