12-12-12 in New York City. At a concert? Nope.
I found it interesting that just a few blocks away from probably the biggest concert since “We Are the World” joined together to create an album, there was a huge gathering of people together for you (if you have diabetes) and your children (if they have diabetes). It was a ‘concerted’ effort on 12-12-12 in New york City where a thousand people raised money for a cure.
But this is not just a story of en event that raised well north of one million dollars (that is correct, ^ of $1,000,000) for a cure. It’s a line that I heard….and I have heard it before. The founder of this incredible event, Charlie Rizzo (I have written about Charlie, a dad who does not understand the meaning of the words, ‘burned out’) once stated, ‘I have to do this, so many more do not”.
And it is that line regarding the Empire Ball, Unlock the Cure that I need to you to focus on today. One of the major forces involved with this incredible event (pictured in the middle of the picture with DRIF President and CEO Bob Pearlman on his right and Charlie Rizzo on his left) is a man named Peter DiCapua.
To my understanding Peter does not have a major connection to diabetes, well he didn’t when he started working on this event years ago. He does now because of Charlie and the so many more honorees over the years, and so many more like me; who could never thank him enough for what he does for our loved ones….and for yours. For those of us who have diabetes in our family, we have to do what we do. But for someone who does it on the basis of just wanting to make a difference; well that’s pretty special isn’t it?
Peter is an extreme savvy and sharp businessman. He is an incredible organizer and hugely influential powerhouse for this event. I was astounded on how many past honorees of this event were in the room last night and have stayed involved because it is important enough. Peter makes that point clear at every turn.
One does not merely attend this event, this event becomes part of all who attend. Peter, just like Charlie Rizzo, will be the first one to deflect any recognition off him to the over 50 others who help organize this event. But all will agree that it is Peter’s leadership and the way he organizes this event that makes them return each and every year.
Diabetes just will not do.
Peter’s work is all year. He works on getting the honorees, having them tour the DRI because it is important they truly know what it is they are supporting, and he makes sure the details are ………well……all detailed.
Peter does not have to do this. Knowing Peter, I am sure he helps others as well. I’m also sure he has nine million other things that he could be doing also and yet, he has decided that we will one day cure diabetes and he wants to be part. Not necessarily for himself but for you, for me, and for the millions who wait for themselves or for their kids.
Over 30 million dollars later Peter is still at it. He doesn’t have to, but he does. Aren’t we lucky? If that doesn’t humble you, nothing will. Remember that there are others like him in our lives who help us in our journey that do it for the only reason to help. Need to find holiday spirit, think of those people.
The 12-12-12 concert certainly had their stars, a few blocks away the diabetes community had one of their own………his name is Peter DiCapua; thank you Peter.
I am a diabetesdad.