WHEN GOOD PEOPLE STEP FORWARD...

Big Al, Kidd and Kelly Rasberry

CNN Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D.

If you've been following this past week's events here at my Blog, two initiatives are underway. Brandie has stepped forward to contact Dallas radio personality Kidd Kraddick to request that he increase public awareness of little Trevor Tredaway. Jennifer has made some contacts as well and we've been trying to get our schedules to click for a phone call. Sue has taken Trevor's needs to her church prayer group in Midland, Texas and she has graciously volunteered to be my "person on the ground" there for the benefit concert we are working on for Trevor. It has been a busy week for me.

During my day off last Monday, I was reaching out by telephone and letters to people who can make a difference. One of them is CNN medical correspondent and Neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta, M.D. Dr. Gupta is a positive and energetic presence on CNN. He is also a Neurosurgeon familiar with Trevor's medical condition. What a wonderful opportunity to raise public awareness of children with brain cancer! I feel that I can work with Dr. Gupta and I would be very comfortable speaking with him over the phone and in-person about this very important subject.

It's been seven-years since I lived and worked as broadcaster in Dallas, Texas. But it was fun to watch Kidd Kraddick's rise to popularity. We worked at different stations and I was a news anchor. Interestingly, I was also a producer for a former traffic reporter who was once part of Kidd's morning show lineup from 1999-2002. It may seem odd to many, but we never met. We chatted on the phone a few times, but it was brief and all business. So, while I would bump into colleagues in the industry at non-profit health organization emcee gigs every month (many in radio and television are asked to host luncheon and dinner events) I never had the opportunity to meet Kidd. Hopefully that will change.

Additional proposals that I've previously mentioned are still pending. It takes a commitment from others with a heart to help us. But we fully realize that all good things take time too. There is also usually a risk whenever one attempts any worthwhile event. But in this case, the scenario is very different. I can honestly say there is little if any downside and a tremendous upside to offering value to a venue that hosts our "grass roots" event. We will require enough lead time to involve more press. And if we're not careful , we may just have a lot of fun in the process! There's nothing better than wonderful people like Brandie, Jennifer and Sue who e-mailed me with offers of help from their own communities. I've said this before. Nobody who is successful in any endeavor goes it alone, and that is really true. We are serious about helping Trevor and of course, we hope that our sincere efforts are met with results soon. Music and fun has a way of bringing all good people together and that is our aim.

I encourage you to stop by Trevor's website and just say hello to his mother Melinda at www.caringbridge.org/visit/trevortredaway. As you might imagine, she is very good at passing along your messages to Trevor too! I also realize that we live in a very busy world. No problem! The great thing about Trevor's website is that there are no hours of operation; it is just like mine--open 24-hours for all kind people to come together and share. As the components of our project come together, Melinda and I will be available to talk with radio, newspaper and television media about Trevor and the initiatives underway to plan and present a benefit music concert in Midland, Texas. If you have an idea or wish to help, join us! Simply E-mail me at: michaelmanninginfo@GMail.com and let's explore the possibilities. I say this because when good people step forward, anything is possible. And yes, I believe in miracles too. Enjoy your weekend!
Michael