Sapphire Soiree and cancer video

After we gave the keys to the valet, we stood for a moment in front of the Menlo Circus Club. It seemed surreal that we are here as 'VIPs', according to El Camino Hospital Foundation President Jodi Barnard who personally invited us to the Sapphire Soiree gala benefiting the cancer center. The air smelled of freshly mowed lawn, crisp and inviting. I helped Gohan straighten his bow tie and with curious anticipation, we walked into the hall. Soon we heard a cheerful voice "Welcome! Mr. and Mrs. Jain!" An usher, smiling, briskly directed us to the reception to get our name tags. We wondered how she knew us. After we got our drinks, we wandered around, searching for anyone we knew. The reception hall was beautifully decorated, every corner adorned with gorgeous bouquets of spring flowers in peach, pink and yellow. Men and women dressed in elegant black tie attire, chatted cordially. Just when we came to the conclusion that we didn't know anyone there, we saw our oncologist Dr. Dormady and radiologist Dr. Sinha, whom we almost couldn't recognize because both were in tuxedos, instead of their usual white coats. We happily exchange hugs and complimented each other's appearance for the occasion. As we pleasantly chatted about the event, something felt different. I realized this is the first time that we conversed with our doctors about subjects unrelated to our health. It is nice not to think or talk about cancer for a change with the doctors who have become our trusted friends.

Our oncologist Dr. Shane Dormady and radiologist Dr. Robert Sinha

Jodi Barnard and the CEO of El Camino Hospital, Tomi Ryba, also came to greet us. Evidently they recognized us from the video that they had previewed and approved. They graciously thanked us for allowing them to film us, and we expressed our gratitude to them for including us.

The banquet was held in a huge white tent and was exquisitely decorated. Ice crystal Chiavari chairs were paired with silver rimmed white plates and beaded edge crystal platters. My favorite flowers, peonies and tulips, dressed up the tables. Mystic blue light illuminating the hall created an ethereal feeling. We searched for our table number, and were surprised to find our table in front of stage center -- the VIP table! Gohan and I looked at each other, astounded at the honor given to us. Sitting at our table were Yesenia, the other patient featured in the cancer video, Jodi, the foundation president, and two other couples who were major donors of the event.

The reception hall

Our VIP table

When the guests finished the sumptuous dinner, CEO Tomi gave a short speech about the history of the fundraiser and told the audience that this year instead of telling their doctor's work, she wanted to share the stories of two patients. She directed the guests' attention to the screen. That is when the magic moment started. The screen played the three minute film that Gohan is a part of. The audience watched in complete silence, captivated by Gohan and Yesenia's stories. When the video ended, Tomi asked Gohan and Yesenia to stand up. The audience applauded loudly, and one by one, they stood up. Eventually the reception hall was filled with clapping, almost like rain, but thunder loud. Before long, all 500 guests were on their feet, giving the two courageous fighters a standing ovation. By that time, both Gohan and Yesenia were in tears, so was I. We were enormously touched by the love and encouragement shown to us. During the standing ovation, everything seemed to move in slow motion. I saw Jodi and Tomi smiling on stage. I turned my head to the audience and noticed every men and women clapping their hands slowly and nodding their heads approvingly. I looked at Gohan, tears forming in his eyes, drop by drop slowly running down his face. It is a moment that I will never forget.

The El Camino Hospital cancer video

While the audience seemed to be immersed in deep thoughts evoked by the video, Tomi apologized for having to shift gears and announced that the live auction will begin. The auctioneer walked in with a big smile and after cracking a joke, chanted in speed faster than a jet, igniting everyone's enthusiasm. Guests bid merrily and boldly for the auction items including a Maui vacation, American Music Awards VIP tickets, a sapphire diamond ring, and unusually, a dinner with cancer center doctors. As Dr. Dormady later said on stage, "all of my patients pay a lot of money so that they don't have to see me again, but here at gala you pay a lot to dine with the doctors". It was a humorous remark but it also says a great deal about the generosity of the guests. They are here to support the cause of fighting cancer, helping patients whom they have never met and probably never will. That is true generosity.

The gala ended with a live performance by the B-52s, singing their famous songs such as Love Shack, Rock Lobster and Roam. I recalled the time, in 80s and 90s, when we first heard the songs. We were busy raising three children and building our careers. Now at the gala we are listening to the same songs, our children have grown, our careers were established, but we are battling cancer. You never know what the future holds, but one thing is for certain, that is, love prevails. It is love from our family and community that strengthens and sustains us, it is love why we are invited here today, and it is love that these generous guests come together to help those who are fighting for their lives. 

For that, we are eternally grateful.

Gohan & Jacqueline