Hit a Home Run for Epilepsy

[Mary Lou Connolly]

 

Last week, December 1, 2011 to be exact, the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County’s annual fundraising gala took place.  It is always a magical night, but I found this one to be especially so. It was held at the gorgeous Grand Del Mar Hotel. Fifteen of San Diego’s super chefs prepared small bites for the crowd of 350; and gingerbread artists went all out to create structures themed around the concept of home. The structures were breathtaking. Words cannot do them justice; nor did my amateur picture taking.

For this sports fanatic, it was really special that Jeff Moorad, owner of the San Diego Padres, was Honorary Chair. He brought his son Blake and wife Jan who along with his other sons, support his charitable efforts in the San Diego community.  We were able to chat throughout the night and he seemed genuinely interested in learning about epilepsy---as it related specifically to Michael’s life, and in general. Thanks to the presence of Chair Moorad, the event was emceed by the inimitable Dick Enberg. Oh how I love those velvet pipes! He did a simply outstanding job and brought along his beautiful wife Barbara who happens to hail from my neck of the woods in Massachusetts.  But the part of the evening I most enjoyed from my warped sports fan perspective was when Meaghan and I spoke with the Padres new general manager Josh Byrnes, and club president, Tom Garfinkel. These young men are the future of major league baseball and after speaking with them, I think our national pastime is in good hands. 

Enough sports. The night was all about epilepsy----raising awareness and raising money. And---I think the night was successful on both counts. The highlights of the evening in my view were the personal stories shared by two mothers about how epilepsy has affected their lives. They related that life was going along fine, of course with the usual little bumps in the road, until one day each of their beautiful daughters experienced a seizure.  They told of the initial period of diagnosis and treatment, the setbacks, the triumphs---they told a story not unlike what I have experienced with Michael. Substitute an age, a place----it’s much the same. They spoke with passion, of a commitment to do something, with a desire to see their child prevail and conquer. They are parents with a cause willing to share highly personal moments in order to make a difference.  I cried as I always do because the stories bring back a flood of memories and a resurgence of emotions----fear, dread, anger, frustration, disappointment, and sadness. And then----when all was said and done the emotion I was left with----determination---to continue educating, fighting the systems, people, attitudes and obstacles that get in the way; determination to be the parent who will never give up hope that my son can have a better life; determination to keep reminding people that medications and treatment are not sufficiently effective in stopping seizures for thirty per cent of those people diagnosed with epilepsy.

The evening was one of glitter, glam and grandeur. But the home run I observed  was delivered by  those power hitting moms who will bunt, sacrifice, slide---do whatever it takes---to increase awareness and  understanding and create a sense of urgency that we must find more effective treatments and work toward a cure. To borrow a signature phrase from Mr. Enberg--- “OH MY”!

[bryan farley]

I would love to visit San Diego soon anyway. Some of my good friends have been asking me to visit. I also have family in the area. Perhaps I can arrange a photography trip, family visit and advocacy into one trip.

Keep in touch and keep writing, and don't feel that you have to wait until you have something positive to say. If being positive were the standard, many of us would never write.

[Mary Lou Connolly]

I will be sure to post something way ahead of time Bryan. You would love the photo opprtunities. I have been away from this blog way too long. Something coming soon----hopefully of a positive nature!!

[bryan farley]

Mary Lou,

OH MY indeed.

Remind be about next year's gala. Perhaps I can photograph the event. Somehow, I keep missing the EF Northern California gala because of a long standing conflict.