On April 8^th 2008, Tommy Grace found out that he has ALS (Lou Gehrig’sDisease).   ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Prior to having ALS, Tommy had a pretty active lifestyle--- you could find him water skiing in the summer, racquetball 4 times a week, and getting down and dirty with his 11 grandchildren. 

Known by his family and friends as someone who is caring, strong, loving, athletic and always giving, his friends wanted to find a way to give back to him.  They found the Front Row Foundation.  And in the Fall of 2008, Tommy and his wife Becky, their 3 daughters Jodi, Kristi and Lynda and their TEAM of life long friends spent a day with the Front Row Foundation that they will never forget!

The day started for Tommy when he was picked up in a minivan by his daughters and friends.  They left Emmaus, PA and headed to the Mohegan Sun--- where they did not LET THE SUN GO DOWN!  As they left PA they gave Tommy some clues to see if he could guess where they were going.  

They arrived at the Foxwoods and piled out of the van.  Event Coordinator and good friend, Kathleen, surprised Tommy at the hotel lobby to tell them all where they were going!!  When Tommy heard about the Elton John tickets tears rolled down his face.  He had missed the opportunity to see Elton John in Las Vegas a few months prior and thought he may not have the opportunity.

 Everyone checked into their rooms and met down in the lobby to have a drink.  They had black long sleeve t-shirts made up for the event.  Everyone put on their shirts and we were ready for the evening and were ready to do the“Crocodile Rock!”

The seats were amazing and everyone enjoyed the show.  Tommy was tapping his cane the whole night was even “Still Standing” for several applause!!  He kept looking around.  You could tell how happy he was to be sharing this night with the people who mean the most to him and have been there supporting him through his illness.  “Can You Feel The Love (tonight)?”

After thes how, Tommy and team went over to Birches Bar & Grill for a quiet dinner.  They had a table near the back so everyone was able to really enjoy each other’s company and reminisce about the show.  The food was delicious and we relaxed for quite a while. 

Then it was back in the mini-van and off to Foxwoods.  Normally at this point Tommy would be exhausted and need to retire up to his room.  When they got back to Foxwoods, Tommy was still on such an adrenaline high from the whole evening that he stayed downstairs and we all enjoyed the Casino for a couple of hours.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment