Colleens Dream Gala and Golf Tournament

Tenielle and Tony came to join us last weekend for the Colleens Dream weekend.  Friday morning we woke early and went to the golf course to set up for the golf tournament.  It was fun for Tenielle and I to register all of the players.  I thought it was so cool that at one point all of the football players signed a bunch of footballs.  They are the nicest bunch of guys.

 This is the Cardinals QB

When the golf tournament started, I got to spend time talking to Steve from Iowa.  I met him last year.  His wife Nadine passed away from OVC 1 1/2 years ago.  What a strong man this guy is.  They have raised so much money for OVC in their small town.

After the tournament Tenielle, mom and I went for a pedicure.  That night we met our friends the Sondrups for dinner at the local pizza place Spinets.  It was delicious!

Saturday morning we relaxed and then Tenielle and I went to Laura's to have her do our hair.  She did such a great job.  I then went to the Marriott Resort where the Gala was being held so that I could practice my part in the program.

Colleens Daughters

Billy the Co-Founder

Remember Matt from last year?

Dr. J

Nicole one of the co-founders asked me the day I saw my oncologist if I would tell my story at the gala.  Without hesitation, I said yes.  I was grateful for the opportunity to share my story.  As I was on the stand I'm felt Nadine on one side of me and Colleen on the other.  It was a neat experience.  Apparently it affected everyone, because many people had tears in their eyes as I got off the stage.  I couldn't walk five steps without someone telling me how much they enjoyed my talk and how inspired they were by me.  I was humbled.  I even had some of the players tell me they wanted to have me come to a game next season.  I can't wait.  You know I love FB!

Aunt Leslie, Uncle Gordon, my cousin Deborah and her husband Nathan, mom, dad, Tenielle, Tony, Janelle and Matt Sondrup, Linda and Ken Jensen and her brother and his wife and my friend Cathy were in attendance.  It was so wonderful for me to have been able to share this night with them.  It would have been so awesome to have had all of my siblings there.

After I finished talking, they auctioned off a trip and a dog.  Then the auctioneer did something that she has never done.  She said that someone gave her $5000.  She then asked for others to match it.  A few did.  Then she went to $2500, $1000, $500, $100.  She talked about my speech and how the money raised was all going to research.  I'm so grateful for the people who were in attendance and giving to a cause so near to my heart.

The food was delicious, the company was enjoyable and the event was out of this world amazing.  I am disappointed it's over, but can't wait for next year's event.  It's now one of my yearly traditions.