“What’s the matter? You look troubled.” Nick asked.
“Don’t mean to alarm you, but there is a boatload of the press
still coming in, and you’re out of parking spots for satellite trucks.” “You’re kidding.”
“Hell, there are twelve out there already, and most are going global.”
“Squeeze ‘em in the best you can, Sammy.” “You’re gonna owe me, Nick.”
“I’ll buy you a beer.”
“You’ll buy me a case of beer.” Sammy moved into the rising ocean of press.
Nick looked to the stage to see that Marie Mellon standing with Drs. Wall and White behind the lectern. He joined them on stage and produced a smile to share with them.
“Okay, everyone,” he said, “just follow my lead and stay close. Keep smiling and always look forward.” Nick waited a few minutes for stragglers to enter the room and for the auditorium doors to be shut. The mayor, Board members, and other dignitaries had long been seated.
“Good afternoon, and welcome to St. Theresa’s Children’s Hospital,” Nick began. “This hospital, founded in 1972, is known as ground zero for children’s cancer research. It is staffed by the finest medical researchers and cancer treatment specialists in the world. It brings hope to patients and families. All are welcome. All are treated. I am joined today by the faces of St. Theresa’s. Their tireless work goes without saying. They continue to be the driving force to find a cure and raise funds for this facility. For every child here and around the globe, these people are an inspiration. And to represent the many doctors, nurses, and researchers here at St. Theresa’s, I am honored to have on my left, Dr. Gregory Wall and Dr. Shelly White.
“Dr. Wall started at St. Theresa’s in 1972. One of his first patients was none other than Dr. Shelly White, who beat her cancer under his care. She was the first miracle here at St. Theresa’s. But during her time back in 1972, her roommate was not so fortunate. Shelly made a promise to that roommate, a promise to become a doctor and one day find a cure for cancer. She, along with Doctor Wall, created the Kristen Foundation for that reason. Today, we announce a unique challenge to the world of cancer research