On May 21, 2005, the ALS Center of Oregon held its first Honorary Patient Sponsor Celebration to raise money for ALS research.
When
you experience first hand a friend or family member diagnosed with
ALS, the first question to come to mind is, "What can I do?"
Families of patients at the ALS Center of Oregon know how to answer this question. On May 21, 2005 the ALS Center of Oregon launched its first Honorary Patient Sponsor Celebration.
This event brought family and friends together to raise money for ALS research in honor of an ALS loved one.
In this case, that loved one was Cecile Tabor.
The beautiful, fun-loving and humorous woman, Cecile, was the honorary star of the fundraiser. Her lovely daughters, Vickie Ongers and Judy Amituanai, coordinated food, drinks and music at the American Legion in Vancouver to increase awareness of ALS and raise money for ALS research in Cecile's name.
On
this rainy night in May, family and friends mingled into the
American Legion, not knowing what they would find. The weather
outside could not mask the sunshine found inside. Hundreds of
guests, dressed in Hawaiian attire, arrived to find tables covered
in pink, blue, yellow, and green, teaming with Hawaiian décor.
Everyone felt the excitement that the band, "Sounds of the Pacific,"
aroused as they played Polynesian music. The band had donated their
time toward the fight against ALS. All guests gave donations at the
door. Guests also purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win a
variety of spectacular prizes donated by various organizations.
Everyone worked up an appetite dancing to the well-adored band. As time flew by, people dashed towards the buffet table to fill up on egg rolls, mini sandwiches, chips, veggies and more. The band soon stopped playing in time for Cecile and Vickie to present a speech to the group. Because Cecile can no longer speak, she had to write her speech down. Vickie read Cecile's speech to all her family and friends, thanking them for coming and expressing her love for them. Following Cecile's moving speech, Dr. Jau-Shin Lou, Director of the ALS Center of Oregon, took the floor. He spoke about the causes and treatments of ALS. He answered questions for those curious about ALS and where researchers stand in finding a cure. The ALS Center of Oregon presented a plaque and flowers to Cecile and her daughters, praising them for their efforts in the fight against ALS.
Following the discussion of ALS, the raffle commenced. Tickets were drawn for gifts such as golf equipment, gift baskets, and gift certificates. There was a one in a hundred chance of winning, and Cecile won a prize! Next came the "money dance." Cecile's granddaughters, in their Polynesian outfits, proceeded to dance where partygoers threw money on the floor. The floor was covered in bills ranging from $1 to $50. The mood set by these spirited young girls got everyone up dancing, including the whole ALS Center of Oregon staff! Soon after the money was collected, it was announced that Cecile's Honorary Patient Sponsor Celebration raised nearly ten thousand dollars toward ALS research.
Dancing
continued throughout the evening. With all of the fun and
excitement, Cecile Tabor stuck through the night,
refusing to go
home. When asked if she wanted to exit, she responded with, "if
someone's going to throw a party for me, you can be sure I'll stay
all night!"
Around 9:00, just when the party started to quiet, everyone turned to see what no one expected. Cecile was out of her chair and twirling with her husband, Bob Tabor! How delightful it was for everyone to see! ALS affects 30,000 in America, but on May 25, 2005, Cecile Tabor fought back. With her hand placed gently in her husband's hand, they held each other close, in a love that could cure all disease, and they danced to welcome tomorrow.
Melanie Davis, B.S.; Jau-Shin Lou, M.D., Ph.D.
