Back in the early-ish days of the pandemic, a pretty cool thing happened in the midst of the craziness. Because everything in the world was basically shut down, people got all inventive in terms of connecting with their fellow humans. Zoom calls became the norm. For me, Friday nights became Friends and Family Fridays. It was a time to connect with people I loved despite not being able to be with them physically. It was an essential component to maintaining one’s sanity and pushing away the loneliness and frustration that came calling on occasion when we were all virtual prisoners in our homes.
And then things got even cooler. Bands started playing virtual concerts. Events that we thought we’d miss entirely moved online and allowed some connection and sense of purpose. And some celebrities started doing Zoom events with fans in lieu of in-person events. This is how I met Nancy Lee Grahn.
Back in July, I saw a post Nancy had put on Twitter about a Zoom event she was hosting. Being a huge General Hospital fan since the early 80s–when I’d come home from school and watch the show with my mom on our little black and white TV in the kitchen–I though this event would be the cat’s meow. It would be a 2-hour zoom, limited to (I believe) 20 people, thus allowing plenty of time and space for some great conversation and lots of laughs.
I was not disappointed. It was indeed a fantastic time, with lots of time and space for great conversation with Nancy and with some really wonderful people who also happen to be huge GH fans. Noticing the neck brace I was wearing to avoid going all bobble-head on camera thanks to my ALS-ravaged neck muscles, Nancy asked me about it. When I told her about my diagnosis, she could not have been more gracious. Actually, I think she said, “Oh, fuck me!” Which made me laugh out loud and broke the ice for some truly meaningful conversation. Instead of shying away from the uncomfortable topic of a fatal disease, she jumped in and asked questions and engaged me completely.
At some point I told her about ALS One, which is an amazing partnership of leaders in ALS research and care who are united in their efforts to combat the disease and to care for patients and their families. I became involved with ALS One about 6 months after I was diagnosed, and they have become a huge part of my family. ALS One does a lot of fundraisers throughout the year, many of which my family and I take part in. For one thing, it’s an amazing cause. For another, it gives us a chance to fellowship with some truly amazing and inspirational people. And as part of my desire to give back and to be a productive human being, I’ve enlisted some dear friends and family to do some of our own fundraising for them. In October 2019, we hosted an 80s Dance Party that raised about $5000. We’d hoped to do an annual event, but Covid had other ideas for 2020. We’re cautiously optimistic about being able to host another event next fall.
When I told Nancy about ALS One, she immediately suggested doing a Zoom event fundraiser for them. Raising funds in the shadow of Covid has been no easy task. Events that would have normally taken place throughout the year have had to be rescheduled, canceled, or moved to a virtual forum. So for Nancy to so graciously offer to host this event, well, I was truly moved…and utterly thrilled. And to find out she was bringing on three other actors from one of my favorite shows? I had a bit of a fangirl moment, to be sure. But mostly I just feel such a deep sense of gratitude for all of these folks and I really want them to know how much I appreciate them. So a huge thank you to Nancy and to James Patrick, Lisa, and Wally for agreeing to be part of this amazing event. And a giant shoutout to Belinda for coordinating it! You all rock, and I am looking forward to seeing you on Saturday night! United as One to #endALS.
Oh, and if you’re interested in tickets for this event, head on over here.
Rise Against ALS! 