apiece that they don’t have to pay unless a cure, or for that matter, a vaccine for cancer is discovered? But still, wouldn’t there have to be a whole system in place? Seems huge.”
“Absolutely,” said Sal. “You guys have to figure out how all this comes together. The logistics. You need someone in the medical profession. Maybe that’s where your Dr. Shelly White comes into play. Have her coordinate the medical side. You’ll need someone in chemistry. You’ll need someone to act as a clearinghouse. I’m telling you, you guys want to start your own agency, this could be your ticket.”
“You know what?” Jerry said. “That’s a hell of an idea.”
“In one aspect it’s brilliant,” said Nick, “but we need a buy-in from St. Theresa’s.”
“The Board of Directors,” Jerry added.
“We tie it all in to St. Theresa’s or the Kristen Foundation,” said Nick, “and can you imagine the publicity? The hospital would love that.”
“Just an idea,” Sal said. He leaned over the table and poured the
last of the wine into their three empty clear-stem glasses.
“So, how many companies are in the Million Dollar Roundtable?” asked Nick.
“About four hundred thirty,” Sal said.
“And how would we get them to pledge this money?”
“Conference is next month. It’s in Vegas this year. I bet Robert would let me get you in front of them. You could make your pitch. See what they think.”
“Conference?” Jerry asked.
“Annual convention of the Roundtable. Your buddy, little Nick here, grew up running around those people. They all know him.”
“Some good times.” Nick nodded to Jerry. “Dad would run the meetings and Mom and I would go on all these spouse programs. I grew up among those people.”
“Look, boys, I have to talk to Robert tomorrow. I want to ask him about Jill. See if he needs anything. As I said, pancreatic cancer is a death sentence.”
Like Sal, Nick never forgot how Robert and Jill were there through all of their ups and downs, particularly the downs. A comforting phone call, a drink when needed most, or just the company of a couple of old friends to take the edge off. The Smiths