Linked Against Leukemia Gala

DKMS Americas Gala 2008

As you may know part of my job is to organize and manage some of our marrow donor drives. Well, last week we were able to add over 1,500 new people to the registry. This is primarily why I haven’t been able to post a blog in the past week. After drives we have to go through swab samples and double check that registration forms are filled out correctly and completely. But I did manage to sneak in some shopping, specifically for our 2nd annual Linked Against Leukemia Gala at Capitale.

Last year's gala was held in conjunction with the Bone Marrow Foundation but this year' event is a solo venture and I couldn’t be more excited.

Like last year DMC,(our celebrity spokesperson)from RUN DMC will be performing, with this year's special guest Sarah Conner. Comedian Mario Cantone, from Sex and the City is hosting the event. Cindy Crawford and Emanuel Chirico (Chairman & CEO, Phillips-Van Heusen, parent company of Calvin Klein, Inc.) are being honored. And Natasha Bedingfield will be performing a selection of songs, so I am quite happy.

Last year I was responsible for checking in guests and VIPs, but this year I am escorting a patient and her family to the gala. She is actually meeting her marrow donor for the very first time, on stage at the gala. I can’t say anything about her yet since she still has to remain anonymous to her donor, but I can guarantee that it will be an emotional moment in the program. And I promise I will have pictures up May 8th.

Until then enjoy some pictures from last year's gala at our Flickr page. And here are some personal pictures as well.

Angela, Andrea, Emy, Nicole, Tricia, Me (Ellie), Elivette, Neha, and Maria

Andrea, Maria, Alina, Me (Ellie), and Elivette

Alina, Katharina and DMC


And in case you were wondering this is what my dress looks like