THE GUARDIAN BRAIN FOUNDATION'S 6TH ANNUAL BUTTERFLY BALL
(See the 6th Annual Butterfly Ball)

The Red Carpet was the theme of the Guardian Brain Foundation's 6th Annual Butterfly Ball held at The Carltun.  Anthony A. Capetola, President and Principal owner of The Carltun, who has been generous with his time and support of our Butterfly Ball, was honored.  Also honored were the children of the foundation who are our true inspirations, those that are survivors of brain tumors or brain injures, those whose parents have suffered with a brain tumor and those who have dedicated their time and talent volunteering support in many ways including fundraising.  We continue to remember and share the memories of the children who have passed on.  The Martin Avenue Elementary School took the Guardian Brain symbol of the Monarch butterfly, created a song and dedicated an evening get together at the school.  A video was shown on how the students cared for caterpillars in special canopies then released them in the Spring as butterflies across Bellmore in remembrance of Erin Getzler.

The introductory remarks were made by Mike and Mary Pallotta.  Mary reminded us that life is about choices and that is why we choose to make a difference.  She said the Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life and the importance of sharing the newest information.  In September, Mary organized the "Brainstorming Long Island" conference where specialists presented the most recent treatment procedures, medications, research in brain tumors plus practical guides for emotional well-being and beneficial dietary habits.

Dr. Max Gomez was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  He is the broadcast journalist, medical reporter on WCBS where he shares with the public current medical information.  Dr. Gomez is a member of many medical specialty organizations.

Dr. Gomez asked Dr. Elliot J. Pellman to present a toast.  Dr. Pellman is a medical advisor to the Foundation. His specialty is treating both severe and minimally brain injured patients.  He congratulated the Foundation on the work it has been doing with hyperbaric treatments, support groups and dissemination of information for the last six years.

Arjay Lewis has been the special entertainer at each Ball of the Guardian Brain Foundation.  He has entertained in costume as the Phantom of the Opera. Arjay has demonstrated his bag of magic tricks.  He has made balloon characters for the young and not so young.  He has a wonderful singing voice.  He leads in the dancing, especially the "Electric Slide".  We always look forward to seeing what he is going to do next.  Arjay is a bright star of the evening.

The evening is more enjoyable ever year meeting new people, sharing experiences with those we have seen at past celebrations.  The brain injured and those with brain injuries along with their families and caretakers in both the Nassau and the Suffolk support groups are striving to enjoy the best quality of life sharing not only their needs, fears and experiences but, enjoying an evening like this once a year.

(See the 6th Annual Butterfly Ball)