In 1999 my mother passed away at the age of 64 from colon cancer. Since that day I knew that I needed to create a legacy for her. I have been given so much in this lifetime; now I felt it was my time to give something back and to make a contribution to society in a greater way using my talents as an artist and combining them with a project that could potentially raise money to fight cancer seemed the perfect match.
I chose the dolphin because to me it embodied all of the qualities that I so admired and loved in my mother - her grace, her compassion, her quiet inner beauty and her giving spirit that profoundly touched everyone she met. I felt the dolphin would be the perfect symbol of her hope and compassion.
My journey took me to a woman named Jean Siebert. I told Jean of my dream to create a sculpture project using the dolphin without hesitation she said to me "I think it's a wonderful idea, let's make this happen." Then she said "tell me what you need." With that she handed me a check and so began my dream with the help of one exceptional person with a good heart who said "yes."
From that point on the decisions came easily. What cause did I want to raise money for? Cancer was my only choice. Who do I admire that embodies the ideals that my mother so valued. Simple, Lance Armstrong. A man who said time and time again that his life truly began the day he was diagnosed with cancer; that's a man my mother could respect. The Lance Armstrong Foundation will be great steward of the money we will raise.
A very wise man named C. Hoppe once said:
- "I hope my achievements in life shall be these: That I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, that I will have given help to those who were in need... That I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been."
I think we cannot begin to fathom the generosity which lives in the hearts of our neighbors, friends, and business owners in our city of Virginia Beach. Plato once said:
- "Good actions give strength not only to ourselves but they also inspire good actions in others."
With the help of our local businesses and corporations I truly believe that a million dollars as our goal will not only be reached but surpassed.
Every time we see a dolphin in our city it will be a symbol of our commitment to help find a cure and our promise to help those battling with cancer.
I think that our dolphin's are a symbol of hope that one day we will all know what it is like to live in a world free from cancer. And when that day comes we will all rest easy knowing that we did our part and kept our promise. These are our dolphins, this is our city, and this is our promise.
So once again let me say "thank you" to my board members who have so graciously given their time and talents:
Fred Greene
Pat Barton
Amy Barton
Jeff Sheats
Ted Clarkson
Jean Siebert
Tom Fraim
City Councilman Jim Reeves
Judy Donahue
Without all of you this dream would have never become a reality. I would also like to thank Mayor Meyra Obendorf who first met with Fred Greene and myself in early February. As we talked in her office she shared our excitement and gave us her promise to help in any way she could. So thank you as a person and also as a mayor for your support and confidence in our dolphin project.
Thank you as well to our City Manager Jim Spore who pulled together all of the important agencies in the city who could help us fit together the many pieces of the complicated puzzle which turns dreams into realities.
And last but certainly not least, "thank you" Diane Roche. Without Diane's help, guidance, and wealth of information we would not be here for you today. From Diane I learned that talent is only the starting point, that there is an equation that must be followed in order to succeed.
The equation is intensity of purpose added to the ability to do, tempered with the patience to wait and create success. Ok I admit, I was never good at the waiting part. I never have been. I gave both of my parents many gray hairs as proof.. But we thank you Diane. You are wonderful.
SECOND INSTALMENT June 3rd 2008,
This journal entry is far too long overdue. So many things have happened with this incredible project since I first wrote in my presidents journal . Some of our members have moved on and others have joined adding new blood and enthusiasm. Jeff Sheats and Judy Donahue as well as Anne Gassett and Aimee Kram are now valuable members of A Dolphin's Promise. The project continues to run strong raising money each and every day to battle cancer.
One of our proudest moments came last October in Austin Texas.
Several members of A Dolphin's Promise traveled to Austin to take part in The Ride For The Roses.
During the four day weekend we Ran a 5K race, rode through the hills of Austin Texas with Lance Armstrong and took part in the annual Ride for the Roses. We also had the opportunity to present the Lance Armstrong Foundation with a check for $125,000.00 from A Dolphin's Promise. That check represented the 3rd largest single donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for 2007.
We are VERY proud of all that we as a group of volunteers has accomplished. Along with that check we were also able to donate $42,000.00 to the Virginia Aquarium and their marine mammal response team.
Since then we have continued to raise money and spread awareness about the battle against cancer.
Sometimes I indulge myself with a dream, and in my dream I imagine how incredible it would be if everyone I met just gave me one dollar. Think of it. Just one dollar from each person and we could undoubtedly find a cure. The population of the United States alone is approximately 304,224,000. That would mean $304,224,000 million dollars to battle cancer. The United States only represents less than 5% of the world population. Now imagine what it would mean if everyone in the world were to donate just one dollar. Cancer wouldn't have a chance. At this moment the people of the United States have the monetary ability to find a cure for cancer by just donating $1. If the entire world would do the same Cancer would no longer claim lives on this planet. I realize that this is just a dream and most likely an impossible one to attain. But that will not stop me from following mine. My dream is to reach $1,000,000. in the fight against cancer. It is also my promise. The dolphin's Promise, to never give up until a cure is found. If you too still believe in dreams then join us in the fight...the fight to save lives..become a part of A Dolphin's Promise, you will become a part of the solution we all dream about. A world without Cancer. For everyone who still believes dreams are possible I say LIVESTRONG.
