Cancer affects us all including me. I’ve lost friends and family to this dreadful disease and at the very least I could to would be to volunteer my time. I did this event in memory of my grandmother, Marion G. Smith. The event for was on 04/27/2012 starting at 6PM to 04/28/2012 6AM at the Clinton Library in Little Rock, Arkansas benefiting the American Cancer Society (www.Cancer.org). I was the MC for 5 incredible hours and was inspired, excited, saddened, moved, touched, and like many not able to hold back my tears.
I took the stage for the opening remarks and then brought up Bob Robbins from KSSN which also had family members affected by cancer. We then brought up Mayor Mark Stodola which represents Little Rock in a superb way. Then we also had the pleasure to have Senator Mark Pryor. Other incredible speakers took the stage with incredibly inspiring and touching stories such as Ethan Helm, Sarah Ables, Elizabeth Fortune and her husband Griffin Coop. All of these speakers were great to hear and meet to say the least. Although cancer in no way is funny, I did stick to my nature and still cut up on stage with my craziness messing with nearly all of the other entertainers, some of the speakers, Amy Pearson, and even including the sign language interpreters. I asked one of the interpreters how they do back spaces… hahaha
The relay began with the survivors lap and increased its number as others joined in following laps. There was a silent lap for remembering those that lost their fight. The relay never stopped all the way through to the morning. It represented the suffering and darkness of the fight against cancer and the rebirth and light of hope.
The Luminary ceremony was incredibly touching beyond words. I placed a luminary for my late grandmother. She was among many others that had either lost their fight, won, or are still fighting against cancer. I do deeply miss my grandmother and still find myself tearing up from the great memories and the huge hole left behind from her passing.
The night was also a celebration of birthdays and victories. There were games, drawings for prizes and money, dance competitions, comedy by my friends Dave DeBeaux and Larry DeShawn, music by Furiea and Rock Town Saints, talent show by singers, dancers, karate kids, and much more. Karen Johnson had her hair cut off by John David from John David Salons for the Pantene Locks of Love. All of the sound, lights, and DJ work was by DJ Bill Slade! DJ Bill is AWESOME and he rocked it out making my job as the MC very EASY!
It was an honor to be part of such a great event and I look forward to next year.
Amy Pearson you did an EXCELLENT job coordinating the event and thank you for making me part of it. There were so many sponsors, teams, and volunteers that made this all possible. ARKANSAS IS AWESOME!
To all of my friends, please remember that early detection is critical to being able to beat cancer. I love you all and don’t want any of you to have to fight this disease. However, If you or a loved one is fighting cancer, then even more love to you along with prayers.
I’ll see you at the next event,
Michael “Doc” Davis
www.ComedianDoc.com | www.FaceBook.com/MichaelDocDavis