Mark and Louie

There are quite a few organizations out there that grant wishes to sick kids. The Marty Lyons Foundation is one I support http://www.martylyonsfoundation.org/. Last week I had the honor of attending a cigar night benefit at Battery Gardens in NYC for Marty's organization. There is nothing more inspiring than to meet kids and hear stories of strength during dark times and I can say, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Marty and I go way back and he and his brother, Phil work tirelessly to make kids' dreams come true. He has helped with two different families in my own community that had children suffering from terminal illnesses. One of these families was on a plane to Discovery Cove to swim with dolphins within the week of my initial phone call. Love you Marty! I get chills down my spine when people work together to help someone in need. Just this past Friday, I received a mass mailing from my friend Peter, asking for help on behalf of another organization called the Ashley Lauren Foundation http://ashleylaurenfoundation.org/. Mark, a boy with cancer, wished for a Bichon Frise dog. My wife and I got in touch with a neighbor, Sue, who recently began fostering dogs. She, in turn, called her college roommate with 3 Bichons of her own. Less than 24 hours later, Brenda Lyons delivered 5 year old Louie (one of her 3) to Mark to keep as his own. This picture is priceless and was made possible by several people. Thank you, Ashley Lauren Foundation, Peter, Sue and Brenda! Can you imagine giving up your dog to help someone else? My dog is like one of my own kids--and I wouldn't give up my kids! That is truly selfless.