Having A Ball!

Josephine and I went to a fund raising ball for the Kidney Foundation of Ohio. The event was held at the Intercontinental Hotel next to the Cleveland Clinic. Josephine got two tickets from work. The tickets were $100-$2000 a head!! Being a black-tie event, we both had a good time getting dressed and figuring out what to wear. (Granted I had an easier time than Josephine!) The event raised over $140,000. The MC celebrity was Mark Nolan, a local weather forecaster for WKYC.

They were honoring Dr. Braun, a noted nephrologist who was a pioneer in kidney transplantations. What I got most out of the few speeches was that the most important achievement in his life even with all the patients lives that he touched, was his role as a family man. I've noticed this many times and the most successful PIs that I know, also are extremely family oriented. I am glad that I found a wonderful partner in life that I can see us starting a wonderful family of our own. OK, now back to work so that I can do my part!

Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Reunion

Josephine and I went to the Cleveland Clinic's Bone Marrow Transplant Celebration of Life: Patient Reunion. This annual event was held this year at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was touched by how many people have been treated and at the same time, how many people have been affected by cancer, particularly leukemia. The 800 people that attended was only a small part of the huge family that the disease influences; care-givers, family members, as well as patients. And to think that those in attendance were only the survivors. It was also a good experience for me to see how important my wife's work is. Her work, although she says indirectly, helps makes these peoples lives better. I think that's awesome. I enjoyed meeting all her coworkers and seeing the people she interacts with everyday. It was also my first time at the Rock Hall. I'll have to go again when I can actually go through the entire exhibit!