Fatello Among 100 Honored for Anti-Cancer Work

I had one of those rare moments this past week, where I was actually "proud" to be a surfer. And look, not for nothing, but just in case any of you are thinking that I am not proud to be a surfer on a regular day to day basis, you need to know that I am.

But on Thursday June 7th, 2012 at the plush Westin Hotel Conference room in Boston, Massachusetts, I was proud to be a 'regular foot surfer' from New England.

I was one of the Mass General Hospital's 100 honorees. The One Hundred is made up of 100 individuals who in the past year, have done something sigificant in the fight against cancer. It is put together each year by Mass General Hospital. A good friend, and fellow veteran, and surfer, nominated me last year to be included in this year's 100.

I am forever humbled and grateful for his act of kindness and for acknowledging surfing as being something more than just a lifestyle and sport.

However I have to say, it was so strange to see my bigger than life figure up on the giant wide screens as they rotated the 100 honorees all night. I was in good company as some of the world's most amazing Doctors and scientists were being honored. There were many heartbreaking stories of men and women who fought the good fight against cancer and ultimately lost that battle.

There were stories about children as well.

Some tear jerking stories of kids with cancer. And it always seems so cruel to learn of small children dealing with this insidious disease. There were stories of young healthy adults who had to make life changing decisions to fight cancer.
Seeing and hearing their stories were so emotional.

I hate cancer. I hate all diseases.

And as I sat there with my wife, I couldn't help but think that it should be Buck sitting here, not me. If anyone has done anything to help in the fight against cancer in our community it would have to be Buck Rowlee. His relentless energy, and fresh positive outlook on life is the kind of stuff that truly motivates everyday people into getting off their butts and doing something. It was Buck's infectious spirit that lit the fire for my Surf campaign.

I was personally feeling "under the weather" that night and wanted to be home in bed. But after hearing about these amazing individuals, I snapped out of it long enough, to be part of something so good and worthwhile.

And when I stood up as a "Surfer", I felt a sense of pride that I would normally only feel when I'm with my fellow Veterans, or Marines. I couldn't help but think about all of the many people who helped us out during my "Catch a Wave For Molly." For as much as this was about me, it was our community that they were really honoring. Not just me. But all of us.

And I once again, felt humbled to my very core.

(Above) the cool graphic of all the 100 honorees photos that would make up this cool logo. It was such an impressive display of speakers and graphics and videos that as an artist I was really blown away by the technology of the whole night. It was that impressive. Seeing the many new cameras and projectors and the amazing sound system was quite a treat.

I am not going to lie, I did feel out of place several times.

After all, I am just a surfer. I live in a small town here in Hampton. And just sort of go through the motions of living in this quaint little seacoast community world, that at times, resembles a Norman Rockwell painting.

There were quite a few celebrities there as well as some serious individuals who have made an enormous strides in the never ending fight against cancer. I felt like the Lil Drummer Boy.

"I have no gift to bring...except for my surfboard."

That's two of the guest speakers from the other night.
Matt Damon and Jonathan Kraft. They were both very engaging speakers and seemed very down to earth as well. I don' know much about Damon except that he's a movie actor who grew
up in New England. But we all learned that night that his father had cancer and the amazing Doctors at Mass General helped save him.

And Matt Damon was visually moved and thankful for that.

The Kraft family is no stranger to anyone who follows New England Sports. Jonathan Kraft was there representing his family and honoring his late mother Myra Kraft. Again, cancer reduces us all to mere mortals. And no amount of money or fame can save you from it's icy death grip.

All in all, it was an impressive and heartwarming evening.

The waves last week were really something. From Saturday's insane storm surf, to the final glass off session on Tuesday complete with a glowing setting sun. A week to remember. Unless you missed it.

Now for Some Of My Weekly Global Observances:

Hey KSM did you hear the news? Oh man, one of our CIA unmanned Drones took out your "Rock Star "buddy Abu Yahya al Libi in Pakistan last week. Man we are killing you scumbags one after another. That has got to hurt the cause eh Kaliddy?

Poor Kalid Sheik Mohammed (KSM) the Mastermind behind 9/11 must
be so jealous of the latest Al Qeada leader getting vaporized by a
Drone missile. Why? Well I'm sure Ole KSM thinks that he is now with
72 virgins living in some Disney world theme park.

Hey dumb ass guess what? You are better off (for the time being) staying put. Because that weasel we killed last week is rotting in some hole somewhere, while his soul is burning in hell. Trust us Kaliddy...you want to hang around GITMO for as long as you can. Death is not what you think it is. Not for you anyway. Can't wait for the verdict.

Until that day...I plan on keeping this classic photo of KSM up every week so we can all chuckle at his misfortune at getting caught by our special OPs and Pakistani police. *Note to self must shave neck hair.

Celtics are done for the Summer. They put up a valiant effort in the end but that 4th Qtr run by the HEAT was too much to sustain. Still it was
exciting to watch GO CELTICS in 2013!

So the DEVILS are not going down that easy. Just one game behind the KINGS in tying this up. Oh baby...ny the way...I had several witnesses who heard EARL say he would buy me a NEW camera if the Devils come back and win this thing.. Todd I am ROOTING for the Devils!

Finally I don't know what Wisconsin is all about, but if I were OB and company, I would be digging hard to find a reason to keep them all around for 4 more years. Because the economy and their record speaks for itself. It's all about the Economy. Hello?