By Howard Salus
For those ENV readers who don’t know this – Rodi Alexander is a cherished and dear friend of mine on so many levels. She’s a charming, as well as a very talented and gifted performer. She raises the level of love and energy the moment she enters a room. She’s a natural, sweet, gifted lady and a knowledgeable nutritional coach , yes – and a diligent and well-read writer for ENV Magazine, a loving wife, a fantastic Mommy. And now, also a victim of LAM’s disease.
Frequently I look up to the sky and ask,”Why Rodi?” a person who can’t hurt a fly? Why in the prime of her life has this terrible disease afflicted her?
I’m just now beginning to fathom some sort of an answer. Rodi is a fighter! Rodi is a leader! Rodi has passion! Although she has been diagnosed with a disease that few people know about – one that has no known treatment – one in dire need for much more research and treatment options. Look out world – here comes Rodi! She has made many contacts in the medical community, she continues to strenuously exercise and maintain her nutritional regime and continues to look great and perform in front of thousands. She, through her Foundation, has contributed tens of thousands of dollars for research and is indeed making a name where one hadn’t existed.
Where does she obtain the funds? – Through shows and special events and donations. There are so many that absolutely adore this woman – that they give her their time and talents and other resources and feel great about it, to boot. Whether it be a venue such as Rainberry Bay or people working the lights or an orchestra to serve as back-up or wonderful, highly professional and very well know performers – everyone is there for Rodi.
Briefly, LAM (Lymphangioleiomayomatosis) is a rare, progressive, fatal lung disease found in women, mainly during their child bearing years. Over 100,000 women have been diagnosed with LAM worldwide and it is estimated that over 250,000 women have it but have been misdiagnosed with, asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. LAM is estrogen driven and produces tiny holes in the lungs. The second stage of this disease requires assisted oxygen and the final stage requires a lung transplant. Sadly, because of its rarity in the medical community, it has not drawn major allotments of medical funding for extensive studies to combat this disease.
I plead with you to know more about Rodi and LAM disease and her commitment by going to www.littlelaminc.org
On Monday, January 31st, I had the pleasure of attending Rodi’s latest event – “A Night of Stars” presented by Rodi Alexander’s Little LAM Inc. in conjunction withRainberry Bay, produced by Alison Chaplin. It was kicked off with “Can You Read My Mind”, sung by the incredible Holly Lipton. Holly was mistress of ceremonies for the first half of the show incorporating her playful humor and personality.
Next was actress and singer of the Broadway stage, Avery Sommers with her soul felt rendition of “Georgia”.
Comedian, Vic Arnell and husband of Holly Lipton, knocked everyone out with his hysterical humor.
Singer, Karen Saunders brought everyone to their feet with her Judy Garland Medley ending with “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” An awesome routine that continues to ring in my ears.
Mike Burstyn, another Broadway entertainer, came out with his Jolson voice singing “Swanee”.
The second half of the show was hosted by Actor and comedian (and crazy man), Sal Richards. Sal was hilarious – absolutely outstanding!
Next up was Broadway entertainer, Lee Roy Reams who starred in “Hello Dolly” as Cornelius Hackel and then directed Carol Channing in her last performance of “Hello Dolly” years later. Lee Roy brought everyone to their feet with his medley of voices, impersonating every star who sang “Hello Dolly”, ending with the late, great, Louis Armstrong.
The surprise Special Guest Star, was Catskills on Broadway comedian, Freddie Roman. Freddie was great and is always funny!
The final star of the evening was the Beautiful and Fabulous, Actress/singer, Lainie Kazan. Lainie is known for her many movie rolls ….. Beeches, My Fat Greek Wedding etc..,and TV roles, The Nanny, Desperate Housewives etc..Using just a piano and her sultry voice, Lainie captured everyone. Her last song, dedicated to Rodi, was a tear jerking, “Here’s To Life”. You just had to be there to feel the amazing chemistry – another awesome talent – a perfect song, sung perfectly to a perfect lady.
All of the Entertainers, musicians and technical staff, donated their time and talents for this wonderful charity, Rodi Alexander’s Little LAM Inc.
This article is an easy stretch for me – it deals with a heroic dear friend, the need for proper nourishment, sustainability and ENV’s dedication to the Quality of Life. HS