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4/25/97
A dinner for Dickinson
We are proud to be associated with editorial columnist Brian Dickinson in his battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One reason is that he is our colleague. Another is that his struggle has been on behalf of all victims of neurological disorders - stroke, multiple sclerosis and many others - as well as for himself and his family.
Mr. Dickinson, who has suffered for almost five years from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) cannot move much of anything except his eyes. But from that vantage point, and aided by revolutionary technology, he serves us all as an inspiring emissary from the realm of the physically disabled.
He is a journalist fully engaged with the events, personalities and issues of the world. But he is most celebrated for his very personal reports from the mind of someone unable to speak - indeed virtually unable to communicate except through the marvel of new technology that lets him use his eyes to type into a computer! From that vantage point, he illuminates health care issues as perhaps no one else in the nation can.
Brian Dickinson teaches us about the power of human will, courage and creativity. In doing so, and by demonstrating the possibilities of modern technology and medicine, he has been a beacon of hope.
So it is fitting that the Rhode Island Chapter of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association is sponsoring "An Evening of Hope" to honor Mr. Dickinson and his family for their valiant battle. Proceeds from the dinner, May 14 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, in Cranston, will benefit special services for ALS victims and their families.
The special guest speaker will be Dr. Timothy Johnson of ABC News, and network news anchor Peter Jennings will appear in a special video about the Dickinsons - appropriate because ABC News's 20/20 will soon broadcast a segment on Brian Dickinson. There will also be a special message from Mr. Dickinson, read by his wife, Barbara. Proceedings will start at 5:30 p.m., with a cocktail hour and silent auction, with proceeds to benefit the chapter. Tickets are $125 a person, and are available, along with further information on the event, through the ALS Chapter office at (401) 732-1609.
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