Stroke of Hope Foundation was brought to my attention by my cousin Kynette Gray, a Stroke of Hope-Houston team member. She told me Hazella's incredible story. It seemed so surreal. Recently, my husband’s cousin had a massive stroke along with two others that we knew of.

In January, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. In February on Valentine's Day, everything was different and hopeful. We left the Celebration with a renewed interest and pride in our country, ourselves and the reason we gathered that evening. 

Kirk Whalum’s performance was stellar, yet intimate as he shared his thoughts about his father's strokes. His personal serenade into the crowd was thrilling to us all as he entered the isles of the theater to capture each of us in the musical throws of his saxophone. That alone was worth the cost of our tickets! John Stoddard, played the piano masterfully and Kevin Whalum sang from the heart. Each artist had left their significant others on Valentine’s Day to perform for us. The simplicity and purity of their performances were a passionate testimony to their belief in Stroke of Hope Foundation. 

In addition to all the riches of the evening, it was Black History month and all the stars seemed aligned. This year and this month we all stand a little straighter and smile just a little more as our ancestors and our children see what has been accomplished with hard work, focus and dedication.

When the concert ended we all wanted more and of course we got it. There was an after party! The artists were there to autograph their CD’s and chat with us. Who could turn that down? We all went to The River Room at Crystal Bay on the Hudson, a beautiful restaurant/event center.

Those in attendance were as diverse as our nation. Every one spoke of the evening, the future, and far reaching possibilities. There was dancing, pictures were taken; toasts were made as well as new friends. What more could we have asked for? Given the great strides we have made we all should be encouraged to reach a little higher and support those we can in ways we never imagined before. After all, we have seen that “Yes we can”.

Susan L. Tillman – Yelity