A black-tie event Friday night, July 24th at Sean Patrick’s Banquet Center in Getzville celebrated the life of Jacquie Hirsch. The organizers selected the Tinker-Ball theme because Jacquie loved the Disney character Tinker Bell and believed in the day that Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia would be cured.  A.L.L. claimed Jacquie’s life. She was just 23, a bright, caring teacher, when she died in September, 2008.

Through their grief, her family and friends have worked hard to establish the Jacquie Hirsch for A.L.L. Foundation dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to patients, and funding research that will lead to a cure.  The Tinker-Ball was one of several fundraisers the Foundation has already sponsored – raising more than $200,000 in Jacquie’s name so far.

Expect to hear more from the Foundation and its good work in the community.  Jacquie Hirsch was a remarkable young woman who has left a legacy that is inspiring many in Western New York to believe in her dream of a cure for A.L.L.

The Inaugural Tinker-Ball was a black-tie dinner dance at Sean Patrick’s Banquet Center in Getzville.

Among the 200 guests, many had a personal connection to Jacquie and her family.

Jacquie’s father, Torey Hirsch, spoke lovingly of his daughter and her grace in facing her disease and treatment.

I was truly honored to introduce Dr. Norma Nowak from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Jim Burton, on the left in this photo, had a large role in organizing the program.

This is one of several checks that Jacquie's family plans to present to Roswell Park researchers, Dr. Eunice Wang and Dr. Norma Nowak. Jacquie's parents Sharon and Torey are on the left. Her brother, T.J., is at right.

News Four's Lisa Flynn and I participated in the program, as did former boxer Joe Mesi. Joe donated boxing items and hosted the live auction.

The Tinker Bell theme was displayed whimsically throughout the Banquet Center.