In Celebration of Sam Bieler's Defeat of Cancer: No More Treatments! A Party in Weston

Last night, I attended my administrative assistant's party for her son, Sam Bieler, who successfully endured his final treatment to overcome leukemia after several years of medical therapy, sickness, perseverance, and strength. The evening was meant to bring good brick oven pizza, dancing, and total applause to his ability to overcome a long journey and to applaud all who stood by the family along the way.

Ellen Israel stepped in as my assistant three days after the loss of Lois and has been a phenomenal right hand everything for all that is CWP-Fairfield. She was enrolled in Fairfield University's English Education program when her son was diagnosed. As a result, she had to step aside for a while and completed her degree in the spring of 2013. One year later, she had a bigger accomplishment worthy of a party - her son's defeat of tragic sickness.

The Biehler's decorated their backyard with bright lights under a tent and once Kanye West was played by the DJ, the crowd hit the floor (I must note, however, that the teenagers reported that dancing was an old people pastime. Attallah and I, though, wouldn't settle for that and instigated them to join us.

Ellen's speech, too, spoken from the heart and with elegance and poise, made the evening. In her words she not only shouted out to Sam but to Adam, the younger son, for all he's done for his brother and the family throughout the fight they put forth together.

Every Saturday evening should be a dance party, especially in recognition of overcoming the greatest challenges that come our way.

It was a great way to highlight the weekend and I wish Sam and his family nothing but the best from this point on.