The Accelerated Cure Project for MS hosted an All Star Event at Fenway Park's EMC Club in Boston on September 18, 2014. ACP is a non-profit organization dedicated to research efforts to improve diagnosis, to optimize treatment and to cure multiple sclerosis. It was a wonderful event that Abe and I were fortunate to attend. The evening started with mingling and some delicious appetizers. At this time we were also able to view items for a silent auction. There were many wonderful prizes, including 2 VIP tickets to see a taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, 2 round trip American Airline tickets and numerous other prizes, which you can see some of below.
Around 6:30pm, we were invited to take a tour of Fenway Park. Growing up in Boston and knowing all the history that has happened there, it was an exciting and once in a lifetime opportunity . Even for Abe, who isn't a sports fan! We got to see the original Fenway doors, the Visitor's Clubhouse and we were taken to the Green Monster. We had a beautiful view on the park and were able to take some great pictures.
When we returned to the EMC Club, a buffet dinner was being served. The program started with a greeting from Chris Lambert, a local meteorologist on WHDH channel 7. His mother has MS and he has supported ACP for quite some time. His parents were also there. We then were entertained by a song by Jennifer Paul Antebi, who changed lyrics to a popular song to reflect symptoms and feelings of MSers.
There were a few speakers, one of which was Miss Kentucky, Ramsey Carpenter, who was diagnosed with MS in 2010. Before the event started, I was able to speak with Ramsey. She is a lovely woman who carries herself with poise and confidence. (Not to mention gorgeous!) She is very kind, and was interested in my MS journey. I told her how thrilled I was that she has been able to raise awareness for MS, and how that has become a passion of mine. During her speech, she told us all of her own journey with MS and how not being able to play her fiddle led her to her diagnosis. After starting a disease modifying drug, physical therapy and having a positive attitude, not only was she able to play her fiddle again, but she was able to compete in the Miss America competition.
My Facebook friend and fellow contributor to "We Write for the Fight" Laura Kolaczkowski received the Director's Award. She traveled to Boston with her husband, John, from Ohio to attend the event. It was wonderful to meet her after corresponding with her for a few years. Laura blogs at Inside My Story and often contributes to MultipleScelerois.net.
The President's Award was given to Tony Interieri and Scott Spielman, the founders of Rally North America. From ACP's website about Rally North America:"Two Thousand miles driving US Route 50 through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado surrounded by over eighty sports cars, muscle cars, and other unique rides while searching for secret check points at incredible places. Each rally organized by Rally North America carries a common idea, driving for a cause. RNA believes that by combining the love of the automotive lifestyle and a worthy charity, it is possible to do something good through the automotive hobby."
So far they have raised over $109,000 for ACP!
There were "Shining Stars" given awards for their work with raising funds for ACP including Marion Leeds Carroll, Made Chambers, Patrick Curley, Judy and Nancy Medeiros, Shannon Miles and Libby Nichols.
After the program was over, we all enjoyed an ice cream sundae bar. The ice cream was being served in mini Red Sox hats. (How cute is that?!) Over all the night seemed truly successful and I am so glad I was able to attend. It really was a pleasure to meet Laura after all this time, and I enjoyed speaking with Miss Kentucky. It's a night I won't soon forget!
To learn more about Accelerated Cure Project for MS go to: http://www.acceleratedcure.org
