Last evening I attended the American Cancer Society's Annual Charlotte Gala.  

A fundraiser - yes.  Also a friend raiser, a hope giver, and an opportunity to show we care. 

The stories were moving.  The statistics scary.  The hope alive and well.  

Above all else, what we heard and saw was caring.  People caring about people.

People of all ages caring about our future.  People digging deep - some into shallow pockets,

others into grateful pockets.  No one knew their names - they were just a paddle number that cared. 

What happened as caring number one grew to two, then three, then one hundred and three?

The answer is that hope wanting to make a difference and realizing we can is contagious. 

We just need those special people brave enough to raise the first paddle, and say 'I care.'

Thanks to all the anonymous caring numbers. 

Because of you I left the Gala feeling hopeful about our future.

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