Working to Bring More Laughter to Brain Tumor Patients: CTBTA Raises $24,000 in the Fight against Brain Tumors. In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, the CTBTA held its 2nd Annual “Laughter on the Brain” on May 16, 2013, and it was a rollicking success. The CTBTA raised $24,000 to benefit brain tumor patients, the state’s medical facilities that care for them, and advances in brain tumor research. Spicy chef-entertainer, Michael Bowen a/k/a “Bertha Mason,” hosted the comedy night, which included a thrilling live auction led by Drew Pace and sidesplitting performances by comedians, Scott Higgins and Max Dolcelli. Organized by CTBTA Board Member and Laughter Committee Chairperson, Susan Lemkuil, “Laughter on the Brain” was the brainchild of Frank and Lena Sidoti and Feliks Viner of Partner Sponsor, First World Mortgage Corporation, who as longtime participants in the charity’s golf tournament were looking for additional ways to support the CTBTA. Susan Lemkuil, herself a brain tumor survivor, has been passionately committed to making the lives of brain tumor patients better. Along with her husband, CTBTA Director, David Lemkuil, and a group of dedicated Laughter Committee volunteers including Lena Sidoti, Feliks Viner, Carrie Firestone, Mary Beth Murphy, Stephanie Simoni, Greg Shimer, and Kimberly Roy-Canning, Susan brought the Laughter idea to life. Carrie Firestone, the evening’s keynote speaker, spoke touchingly about her journey when she learned that her sister had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Like many of us, she spent countless hours researching on the Internet, looking for answers that doctors could not yet provide and seeking ways to channel her shock, anger, and sadness into a powerful instrument of hope. She found what she was looking for when she attended the CTBTA’s Equestrian Event, where she was greeted with Tracey Gamer-Fanning’s famous bear hug and met other families who understood what it meant to have someone you love touched by a brain tumor diagnosis. Together, they shared smiles and laughter, and Carrie has been a valued CTBTA volunteer ever since. The Laughter event was healing and unifying; it brought brain tumor patients, families, friends, supporters, doctors, nurses, hospital administration and staff, and generous sponsors all together to share a good time. Thanks to all who helped make the evening a success. While the cause was always in mind, at the same time, we could all forget for a little while what ailments or challenges we have – Our collective laughter was a force much greater than brain tumors or cancer.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:26:59 +0000
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