A week at the Oscars

I had the luxury of spending Oscar week in a flurry of activity and pre-Academy Awards events. Debbie Durkin's ECO Oscar gifting lounge was my first stop. YES hosted an exhibit and was able to deLIVER Hope to celebrities and guests who attended. We talked about liver tumors and the information, resources and support that YES! Beat Liver Tumors offers and the fact that it is possible to live with, and not die from cancer. Cancer touches everyone and at each event I have been humbled, inspired and sometimes saddened by the myriad of cancer stories that are shared.I was also able to shadow Pam Schmid at the prestigious Multicultural Motion Picture Awards luncheon. Pam and I became close friends several years ago at a LIVESTRONG Summit and I have been fortunate to live vicariously through some of her accomplishments. This was one. We arrived at the beautiful Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills and proceeded upstairs where we were ushered into a VIP line and then into the ballroom where the step and repeat and red carpet were being held. There were cameras and press three people deep. I felt claustrophobic while Pam was in her element. She was immediately surrounded for interviews and then whisked onto the red carpet, where she talked about her book and posed for the crowd of media.Her book "101 Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer" has received high acclaim from experts, survivors and the lay public. It possesses a unique combination of facts and information that are woven together with story, bringing the information to life and giving direction to anyone who's life has been, or will be touched by cancer. You can find out more about her book or purchase a copy at PamSchmid.com.Pam and I joined invited guests for the afternoon including 2012 Oscar Nominees Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland, Actress Bai Ling, Producer Elaina Archer, Actress/Acting coach Bobbie Chance, Photographer/Filmmaker Kami Zargham McAdam and many 2012 Oscar Nominees and various celebrities that were on hand to support the young upcoming student filmmakers.It was quite an honor to attend and heartwarming to see the impact that Pam made on all those present. No one could get enough of her story. She has met the challenge of metastatic breast cancer head on and given back each step of the way. Her journey with cancer and her desire to help others is nothing short of amazing. She inspires me to do more, to not give up and to make a difference. Thank you, Pam!!!Next stop: Night of 100 Stars