Everyday people and their extraordinary efforts to support cancer research - a continuing series
|
|
by: Marc Pine
Volume 4/Number 2
|
|
Marc Pine Tips it Off Against Cancer to Celebrate His 40th Birthday
|
 |
| The Ridge Rebounders and Warren Township |
I'm sure it had something to do with turning 40 years old and taking the time to turn back the hands of time to reflect on my years as a child, a boy, a young man and as an adult. Amidst these thoughts, I repeatedly noticed a gap and aching void in my thoughts and how so many of my cherished memories and accomplishments were days spent without my mother...“Mom.”
We lost her to cancer in March of 2000. You may know the feeling, you’re just plain mad at the world and there's no place or room for sentimental emotion to creep in. This debilitating illness is some foreign creature that slowly eats away at your loved one, and in the end, you just kick the can across the room, you're so furious. And there I was, the grown man, with my wife and two young children at my feet — no “poor me” time or answers to all of my questions. Just anger…and anger. So, by the time I was about to turn 40, my wife had started up with the question: "What do you want for your birthday?" even months before the big day. She left me letters by the coffee pot: "Would you like to take a family vacation to celebrate the big 4-0?" And she even stuck Post-It notes on my mirror late at night for me to see in the morning upon waking: "How about a comedy club party...you love comedy clubs!"
After a while, the question became agonizing; since it was clear to me that there just wasn't anything that I truly WANTED for my birthday. In fact, what was sparking a flint of joy in my mind was to somehow GIVE BACK on my birthday — still, in some strange way, a gift unto myself since it’s what I wanted. I became more in touch with these feelings (never having experienced them before, I took the time to listen and enjoy these new emotions and positive voices). I needed to honor the person who gave me life and a reason to celebrate 40 years of life — Mom. But I wanted to do something that involved my children, so that through some sort of legacy, they would hopefully have fond memories of our quest together as we memorialized their "Gammie" and my mother while having fun and giving back to others. And that's when the thoughts and ideas started to prosper…almost as if Mother Nature herself had taken over…because things just happened to fall into place at every turn.
The answer was clear for me: I am a basketball coach for my daughter’s 6th grade girls travel team, I have a passion for the game of basketball…I had all the puzzle pieces, but still needed a bit of direction in assembling them. I needed some inspiration to point me in the right direction.
Before I could put the pen to paper and brainstorm, I happened to turn on the TV and see a replay of Jimmy Valvano’s heart-warming delivery on ESPN, wherein he spoke from his heart, and grabbed a hold of mine, right then and there. I put down the pen.
I was going to sponsor a Tip-Off Against Cancer Basketball Game, and in every sense of the word, and it would be in true NBA fashion! I actually began to smile at the renewed thought of turning 40.
With the support of the Basking Ridge, N.J., team parents from the Rebounders and our rival team’s enthusiasm to take part in the game, the plan grew from my personal goal of maybe $1,000 or so into a $13,000 event!
And on February 18, 2007, standing in the wings of the high school gymnasium to support our fundraiser was “Sparky” the dog, our county’s baseball league mascot, a professional photographer who brought along her bells and whistles and a promise to make us feel like All-Stars, the local dance and theater company’s half-time entertainment presentation that left the spectators in awe, and the amazing auction that was the nuts and bolts to our fundraising — the day ran the full gamut of what a successful and fun day ought to be. BUT, at the core of our event, and the main attraction that gave me the energy and drive to pursue my own dream for my 40th, were these young “tweens,” sixth grade girls, dressed in green and waiting to play the game of their lives — to make this event a real win-win game on the court in their game of basketball and off the court in their game of life. They were proud to be a part of “making a difference” at such a young age — the enthusiasm had caught these young hearts, and they played the game of all games!
In the end, we won — by score. But all who were present to witness the purpose of the day were winners as the buzzer sounded. I couldn’t have celebrated my 40th any other way — at my side were my wife, two children, my family and friends, the team, the town, and of course, “Mom.”
|
..............................................................................................................................
Editor's Note:
|
|
Marc Pine
|
|
Marc Pine's Ridge Rebounders and Warren Township raised more than $12,000 through their "Tip-Off Against Cancer" basketball game.
|
 View archived "mVp" stories
|
|
