Bluebird Gala Arthritis Fundraiser

The Bluebird Gala was held in Vancouver last night to raise funds for Arthritis research and support. Unfortunately I could not make it this year. But, last year I did have a chance to go

http://arthritis.akaraisin.com/Common/Event/Home.aspx?seid=3160&mid=8

I was amazed at the amount of money raised in 3 hours - about $500,000. What really blew me away was the last 30 minutes when people were flashing 1 finger for $1,000; 5 fingers for $5,000; 10 fingers for $10,000. If that wasn't enough, two well-to-do and very generous Vancouver families donated $100,000 each.

About two weeks before attending this function I found out that the pain and discomfort that had been impacting my life was Osteoarthritis. So the function became significant for me. The stories of the guest speakers were heartwarming and significantly close to home. I came to realize then that my form of arthritis, though painful and life changing in many ways, in no way mirrors the experiences of many who have other forms of arthritis, and certainly many who have the same form as I. As I have mentioned earlier in this blog, I write with this understanding always in my mind.

I applaud the efforts of those who put together this Gala fundraiser, the generosity of the people attending, and  especially the stories and life experiences of those who have brought functions like the Bluebird Gala into being.