What a Mother’s Day weekend I had. A dream was fulfilled. This year I spent it with a wonderful group of people all gathered to support women with a rare fatal lung disease Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, (better known as LAM disease). The Puget Sound Friends of the LAM Foundation organization held their annual auction. The evening “Do You Believe in Magic?” dinner event was hosted by KIRO 7 News anchor Penny LeGate on the bridge at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. What an event!
I arrived early in the day to help with preparations. Everything was very organized and women were busily arranging and placing the auction items with an attention to detail that you might find if they had been arranging their own home. So much care and love. Friends hand decorated custom purses in honor of their dear friend Gina Dichter. Very special. Cheryl McQuiston and her team orchestrated the event with precision and genuine dedication. A tall magician, and I mean tall, he stood 20ft in the air (now where was he when I needed a date in high school?) greeted guests upon their arrival along with a wonderfully entertaining roving magician who could change a five dollar bill into a twenty in a blink (where is he when I buy my gas?).
As the evening got underway, Gina’s family, cousins and friends that carry the torch and started the foundation here in Seattle especially touched me. Gina’s brave teenage daughter spoke about her mom being her “person”, “the person” that made all the difference in her life. Having her there and being able to share everyday conversation with her was her biggest dream. There was not a dry eye in the house as people raised their bid cards for “Fund a Cure” to the tune of $81,000! Gina’s youngest daughter proposed a toast to family, health, happiness and wealth and most of all, the time to enjoy them. These young girls spoke from their hearts and reminded us all of the truly important things, to love each other, to appreciate each other and to appreciate each moment we get.
I was the lucky one. I was invited to attend by Cheryl and the board because Cheryl had found Bubble Wish Wands and tracked me down in December and asked if we could work on a secret surprise. Of course I was beside myself. Her vision was part of my dream to be able to support organizations that do meaningful positive work. I had put my intention “out there” and here was Cheryl and The Puget Sound Friends of LAM answering in a big way, more than I could have imagined, the perfect association.
Guests were presented with a gift, the “Breath of Hope” award, a Bubble Wish Wand for their dedicated and unwavering commitment of supporting the efforts of Puget Sound Friends of LAM. That’s right, can you see it now? We all (over 350 people) blew bubble wishes for a cure to be found for LAM disease. Thousands of bubbles filled the room as guests listened to a talented young girl sing “Magic”, made famous by Olivia Newton John. The words were perfect, “You have to believe we are magic, Nothin' can stand in our way, you have to believe we are magic”. It was a breath taking moment, especially for me. It reaffirmed for me the Bubble Wish Wand message. You have to have positive intentions and set your goals high, it will come true if you are making the world a better place…….. I believe we are magic!
I believe a cure will be found for LAM, they are working on the second drug trial as we speak. I believe that Gina and her family and friends have made a difference. I believe the women with LAM and others that are battling fatal diseases teach us everyday, to value the moments, to hold them close and dear and do not be afraid to dream and pursue those dreams.
I arrived early in the day to help with preparations. Everything was very organized and women were busily arranging and placing the auction items with an attention to detail that you might find if they had been arranging their own home. So much care and love. Friends hand decorated custom purses in honor of their dear friend Gina Dichter. Very special. Cheryl McQuiston and her team orchestrated the event with precision and genuine dedication. A tall magician, and I mean tall, he stood 20ft in the air (now where was he when I needed a date in high school?) greeted guests upon their arrival along with a wonderfully entertaining roving magician who could change a five dollar bill into a twenty in a blink (where is he when I buy my gas?).
As the evening got underway, Gina’s family, cousins and friends that carry the torch and started the foundation here in Seattle especially touched me. Gina’s brave teenage daughter spoke about her mom being her “person”, “the person” that made all the difference in her life. Having her there and being able to share everyday conversation with her was her biggest dream. There was not a dry eye in the house as people raised their bid cards for “Fund a Cure” to the tune of $81,000! Gina’s youngest daughter proposed a toast to family, health, happiness and wealth and most of all, the time to enjoy them. These young girls spoke from their hearts and reminded us all of the truly important things, to love each other, to appreciate each other and to appreciate each moment we get.
I was the lucky one. I was invited to attend by Cheryl and the board because Cheryl had found Bubble Wish Wands and tracked me down in December and asked if we could work on a secret surprise. Of course I was beside myself. Her vision was part of my dream to be able to support organizations that do meaningful positive work. I had put my intention “out there” and here was Cheryl and The Puget Sound Friends of LAM answering in a big way, more than I could have imagined, the perfect association.
Guests were presented with a gift, the “Breath of Hope” award, a Bubble Wish Wand for their dedicated and unwavering commitment of supporting the efforts of Puget Sound Friends of LAM. That’s right, can you see it now? We all (over 350 people) blew bubble wishes for a cure to be found for LAM disease. Thousands of bubbles filled the room as guests listened to a talented young girl sing “Magic”, made famous by Olivia Newton John. The words were perfect, “You have to believe we are magic, Nothin' can stand in our way, you have to believe we are magic”. It was a breath taking moment, especially for me. It reaffirmed for me the Bubble Wish Wand message. You have to have positive intentions and set your goals high, it will come true if you are making the world a better place…….. I believe we are magic!
I believe a cure will be found for LAM, they are working on the second drug trial as we speak. I believe that Gina and her family and friends have made a difference. I believe the women with LAM and others that are battling fatal diseases teach us everyday, to value the moments, to hold them close and dear and do not be afraid to dream and pursue those dreams.
Thank you Puget Sound Friends of LAM for making my Mother’s day a day to celebrate connections, to be inspired by your actions and accomplishments, to remind me of the important matters, matters of the heart, and a daughter’s love for her mother.
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