My name is
Jamie Kirkpatrick and I'm 32 years old. In January of 2002, I was diagnosed
with testicular cancer. In the following months, I underwent surgery and a
course of radiation treatment and, by the end of that year, I was declared
"cancer free."
A year later,
as the anniversary of my diagnosis approached, I decided that I wanted to
throw a party to celebrate, not only my survival, but also the incredible
outpouring of love, support and (thank God) humor I received from virtually
everyone I knew. As one of my close friends put it, "What better reason to
party with your friends?"
It occurred
to me, however, that if I was going to get everyone I know together, I might
as well try to do something worthwhile. I asked everyone who came to pay a
"cover charge" which I would then donate to a cancer charity. And so the
first annual Jamie's Ball was born - fifty of my closest friends and
acquaintances in a private room at an Upper West Side pub. The next year was
basically the same idea, but with a significantly larger guest list. Not
even the ridiculously cold temperatures (coldest night in over 50 years -
you can look it up!) could keep the devoted away. The result was a hugely
successful event ("Jamie's Second Ball").
This is a
going to be a water-shed year for The Ball. Come be a part of this history.
Come party for a great cause.
Come and
experience my Ball!
