The Ties that Bind: Hurricane Harvey, September 11, 2001, The Muscular Dystrophy Telethon (Labor Day Weekend)
What do these 3 events all have in common? (See Starman quote on top. Also the lyrics from the song “True Colors” made well known by recording artist Cyndi Lauper, written by Songwriters: Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly):
You with the sad eyes
Don’t be discouraged
Oh I realize
It’s hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow
Despite recent headlines of discourse in the country, in spite of it all, when push comes to shove, many more people have compassion than those who don’t. It’s ironic that Hurricane Harvey struck in late August and the destruction will be felt far into the month of September – the same month that one of the darkest moments happened in the United States history: September 11, 2001.

*PHOTO: MELISSA PHILLIP/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Well known comedian and actor, Jerry Lewis also died in late August 2017. He was the driving force for the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon over 40 years. That telethon ran for 20 out of the 24 hours over the Labor Day weekend and would raise over $2 billion in that 40 year time-frame. The money was donated for research for this debilitating disease. The telethon ended in 2015.
People from all walks of life and economic backgrounds would contribute to all 3 of these events. Many times well known personalities and celebrities would be in the forefront making huge donations, services or having concerts and the monies collected would go to help those affected by these tragedies/disasters/serious debilitating illnesses.
We also want to take time to salute those who don’t have the big bucks, but through GoFundMe accounts or even having small fundraisers at their places of work or municipalities putting up collection boxes to help those in need. Call centers have been inundated with people calling wanting to make donations. People who do not have the financial means have gone to call centers to volunteer their time to help answer the phones. Local shelters have been taking in pets rescued from the hurricane.
There are many people, who individually or collectively who are working their hardest to make those in Texas put their lives back together. Many doctors, nurses, first responders, military and individuals have gone to relieve those in Texas who are physically exhausted so they can get much needed rest. Just remember those first responders in Texas also had their homes flooded out.
NFL football player J.J. Watt sought to raise $350,000 through a GoFundMe account for the hurricane victims. He soon exceeded that goal, so he just kept raising the goal. As of 9/5/17 the account has raised $17 million. Jim McIngvale, also known as ‘Mattress Mack’, housed 400 people in his two Gallery Furniture locations. Others have donated unused toiletries, which is very important and can be used immediately. Michael Dell of Dell Computers raised $100 million of which $36 million he donated himself for Harvey relief for his home town of Houston.
I recently spoke with some classmates of mine whose son had to be evacuated in from their home in Texas because of the flooding. During our conversation, we talked about the nonsense of people that wanted to take down statues which honestly, will not affect their lives. What really matters is the quality of our future lives i.e. employment opportunities and health. Collectively, we in order to be successful we must work together as a team.
In the following week, we will be remembering the 16th Anniversary of 9-11-01 where we came together as a country to embrace those who suffered and still are feeling the effects of that day that changed the course of the United States history.
A picture is worth a thousand words. C.M.