The third Playing for the Cure: Brainstormin’ is in the books and has truly set the bar higher for the future of this event.  There is so much I want to talk about that it is difficult to determine where to begin.  I know the number one question everyone wants answered is “how much was raised?”  While I wish I could tell you, donations are still trickling in and the final accounting has not yet been completed; however, I am ecstatic to share that we have shattered the amounts donated the first two years!  Thank you to each and every person who attended, bought raffle tickets, participated in silent auction, partook in the live auction and my lucky cousin Xander, hope you enjoy that scooter!  A big thanks to you all!

The night would not have been possible without our annual sponsor ShelfSpace Marketing, LLC and our presenting sponsors Carla’s Pasta and Specialty Packaging.  I was, and still am, in shock by what I witnessed.  The lovely and wonderful Carla Squatrito, the Founder and President of Carla’s Pasta, surprised my family and I by chartering a bus of 40+ people to the event.  Words alone cannot express how grateful and surprised I was for this support, and I know that I speak for my family as well, how greatly appreciated and generous this gesture was.  Also joining us was Chris Orsini, the Managing Partner of Specialty Packaging, along with his wife, Linda. To both companies, I cannot express my sincere gratitude in helping to make this year the success that it was and for your show of support of this cause and dedication to helping find the cure.

Thank you Beirne Wealth Consulting, Edge Technology Services, Stop and Shop, Unitas Club, Sardilli Produce, iHeart Media, Henry, Raymond & Thompson, LLC, Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, The Farmer’s Cow, Severance Foods, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.,  Blum Shapiro, Al Mac Motors II, Channel 3 and WTNH: you made this night possible and are giving hope to those battling a brain tumor diagnosis.  And to every single person and company who donated an item for the raffle or auction – THANK YOU!  Also, a huge thank you to Jillian Shugrue who reached out to me and donated her photography skills and time to photograph (and video) the evening – you did an amazing job!

But what would the night have been without the music from the talented duo Ja2M and the awesome Wise Old Moon?  Your time and skills were so greatly appreciated and I only hope that you enjoyed yourselves as much as everyone enjoyed your sounds.  I hope it was evident from looking out into the crowd how much the crowd enjoyed you guys – I received many great compliments on both bands, so hats off to you!  When I think of the future of this fundraiser, I have longed for a true “festival” with multiple bands and styles of music and you both got the ball rolling in that direction.

In addition, I’d like to thank and recognize Stony Creek Brewery, our host and tremendous partner in this fundraiser.  I am humbled by your support and willingness to partner and work with us throughout the planning stages to the day-of coordination.  Additionally, I would like to thank Ed and Ali for their extremely generous contribution during the month of September.  You took me by complete surprise when you informed me of Charity Wednesdays for the month of September and never could I have imagined such a generous contribution and act of kindness.  You were both so accommodating and great to work with –  I thank you again, and look forward to next year.

Last but not least, and most importantly, a BIG thanks to the Yale Brain Tumor Center and especially, Dr. Piepmeier.  As noted in his remarks, the morning of the concert, Yale went live with its new addition to the website intended to educate patients, survivors, caregivers and families.  The addition of Brain Tumor Patient Education consists of a wealth of links and information put together by doctors, nurses and myself to assist and guide anyone diagnosed with a brain tumor, or their family, through this long journey.  When I was released from the hospital in 2008, I had nowhere to turn nor anybody to talk to about what I was feeling.  As I told the staff at Yale, they needed to give patients and families a place to turn to for answers to questions such as “where do I go from here?” and to provide them with an assurance that they are not alone and provide resources, and “Life After a Brain Tumor” should give some insight.  Collectively, you all changed my life, as well as that of my family, and I could not be happier than to host this fundraiser for you.  I am excited to discuss with you how you plan to use the money donated this year and what breakthroughs you think may be on the horizon, while further enhancing the website.

However, for me, the best part of the night was seeing and meeting fellow brain tumor warriors and survivors and their families.  To be able to put a name to the face, or to meet someone for the very first time and hear their story and let them know that they too can get through these hard times is all that I strive for.

Fortunately for me, I am now cured of this tumor but that does not mean my battle against brain tumors is over.

It is just getting started…