I had one of the most wonderful experiences this past weekend emceeing Piedmont Hospital's "Survivor's Luncheon."  The day honored Piedmont's cancer survivors, their caregivers, doctors, and nurses, and was simply a beautiful celebration of life!  My cancer sisters Susan and Marcy were there, my fabulous surgeon Dr. Heather Richardson spoke, the amazing facilitators from Piedmont's Cancer Wellness were in the house, my new friends from "It's The Journey,' (who make grants possible) were there, my radiation nurse Ginger showed, I even met a couple of listeners from WAY back (the husband being a survivor.)  There were over 400 people at the event, and I can't describe how powerful it was to have that many people who have experienced cancer first-hand in one room!  After lunch, all the survivors gathered in the courtyard for a butterfly release.  We were each given a little packet with an inpirational message on it.  As I was holding mine waiting for the release, I was touched to feel the butterfly inside stirring. We all opened our packets at the same time, and were mesmerized by the tiny, brightly colored, fluttering creatures flying away.  We mingled to talk with each  other, and I was heartbroken to see Carolyn, a gal who I meet through our PINK workouts, whose cancer has returned.  Bless her heart, she was wearing shocking pink ruffles and fun pink sunglasses, but her spirit was so broken I could have cried.  I also met a new friend, Donna, who just had her final chemo last week.  You could tell she was exhausted, but thrilled to be with us.  She told me she didn't know what she would have done if she hadn't found the Piedmont community -- she can't imagine going through what she is without the incredible support she's getting.

The highlight of the day for me was the performance by fellow survivor, Nashville singer-songwriter, Beth Nielsen Chapman.  Boy, is she living life -- and not usually the easy way!  Beth lost her husband years ago to cancer, then was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 years later.  While working on her latest album, "Back to Love," Beth developed writer's block.  Some other symptoms led her to get checked out, and her docs found a brain tumor pressing on the part of her brain that controls language!  Thank God the tumor was benign.  She said that when she woke up from surgery, the formerly evasive lyrics came flowing forth.  This lady's music blows me away!  She's written many country and pop music hits -- probably her biggest, Faith Hill's hit "This Kiss."   Beth is one of those people you see and wonder why on earth she isn't a mega-star.  She's gorgeous, her songwriting is incredibly inspirational and clever, she's a terrific singer, guitartist, keyboard player -- she's really got it all going for her.  And she's got a LOT of famous friends who like to sing with her and record her songs!  We sat together at lunch, so I got a chance to know her a little bit and was struck by how friendly and down-to-earth she is. The crowd adored her, and I'm happy to say she is coming back to Atlanta next Friday, July 9th, to Eddie's Attic!  A bunch of us are planning to go, so I'd love to see you there!  I promise you will not be disappointed.  I look forward to interviewing her before the show and sharing that with you here on our website.