SEGMENT #1: McConnell Foundation
GUEST: Jen and Josh McConnell, Founders
ISSUE: Pediatric Health/Cancer
When their son Bohdi was just 3 years old, he was diagnosed with cancer. At that time, Jen and Josh McConnell did research and discovered the best place to have their child treated was in their hometown, at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. After he was cured, the couple created the McConnell Foundation, a non-profit designed specifically to fund pediatric cancer research at the hospital. This year, their biggest fundraising event is the 4th annual Shining Star Gala on Saturday, September 20th. Jen and Josh shared how and why they created this event and what attendees can expect if they attend the Gala at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms. They also discussed the importance of the research being done locally and why funding the research is so critical.
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SEGMENT #2: 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride
GUEST: Gary Goldman, Founder and Director
ISSUE: First Responders
More than two decades following the tragic events on September 11th, the moment in history might be fading in the memories of some. To help make certain the memories of the heroes of that day and those that were lost, the 9/11 Memorial Bike Ride was created. Gary Goldman is the founder of the ride, and the event director, who is originally from New York and lost a good friend when the towers fell. He created this free event and involved local police and fire departments so the ride would be police escorted as it moves through the Lowcountry. In addition to the ride, the event begins with a pre-ride breakfast and ends with an after-ride party that features speeches from local political leaders and a New York City fireman.
