« Anthony Anderson hosts the American Heart Association’s "YOU ARE THE POWER" CONCERT with Chrisette Michele & MORE! | Main | A Day of (THE VIEW) & (CHEVY) in the Life of Riley »

American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)

Hi folks,

The American Heart Association is presenting “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT – featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY is the venue.

 

I have been hired to be the roving reporter on the star-studded red carpet on that evening. 

 

Also performing on the bill: Brian Courtney Wilson; and Trin-i-tee 5:7.  Plus, special appearances by Mathew Knowles; Tamron Hall; Malinda Williams; Ruben Santiago Hudson; Tamara Tunie; Jacque Reid; and FELA!s Kevin Mambo. The honorary chair for the event is Cissy Houston.

The concert celebrates the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign and its many worthy ambassadors. For information about the “Power to End Stroke” campaign, visit www.powertoendstroke.org.

Additionally, my blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” has been commissioned to send out FOUR dedicated E-BLASTs this month in preparation and promotion of the big benefit concert. And in this inaugural entry, I will share my own special testimonial around STROKE awareness. Please read on.

As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Best,

Patrick L. Riley

“A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities”

http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/

 

POWER TO END STROKE: A TESTIMONIAL

 

My parents are natives of Savannah, GA - headquarters for our extended family. By 8 years of age, I became a Savannahian myself, after our nuclear family of five put a wrap on international travel vis-a-vis the United States Air Force - including my birthplace of Tokyo, Japan. In fact, with a world between us AND the rest of our clan, my parents stamped a few things into my mobile and remote world to ensure our family bonds weren't lost on me. My middle name is Leroy - named for my mom's father, a preacher man. Beyond the Gerber jars, my mom prepared our meals - no matter the shore - as if "Gran Gran", mom's mom, had herself prepared them. And that maternal synergy included my favorite recipe of homemade butter biscuits a la sopped in sautéed salmon with onions & peppers; buttered grits; and brown gravy with a side of thick-cut fat back. Then, from my paternal grandfather, I got a signature-hook head that is as much "Pa Pa" as our last name is Riley. Additionally, these vibrant elder characters in the cast of my un-filmed reality show called 'my life' passed on something else to me: a genetic disposition to stroke.

I watched "strokes" do a 1-2-3 punch on three near-and-dear pillars in my family.  At 65 years of age, my grandmother Saphronia Haynes Bellinger had a stroke in 1974. 72 hours later, she was dead. In 1978, stroke threw a near-fatal blow to her husband Leroy. He survived the stroke for four years --- suffering through an uphill battle of rehabilitation therapy that would eventually have him speaking again (but slowly) and walking again (with assistance). But a second stroke in 1982 would take my middle-namesake down for good. And in the early ‘90s, “Papa” – my Dad’s dad – suffered a stroke and soon thereafter, he passed away.

As evidenced by my own family history, stroke hits close to home – especially in the African American community. Studies show that African Americans are at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, than any other ethnic group. And that’s why the American Heart Association created the “Power to End Stroke” Awards. These folks are leading a new charge to get the word out to the community about stroke awareness, stroke survival, and stroke prevention. And they are encouraging ALL OF US to learn what we can do to stop the cycle.

I checked in with my Auntee Mary Lee (the older sister and only sibling of my mom Queen Elizabeth Riley, who passed away in 1994 to congestive heart failure). At 74, Mary Lee is still alive, alert, and kicking. But she points out to me that she is not here to tell the story without the aid of high-blood pressure medicine and a strict diet regimen. Mary Lee’s two kids – my first cousins; and my two siblings – are in their mid-40s-to-early-50s. Though vibrant and generally healthy, they too are inside pre-emptive efforts to avoid our genetic leaning for stroke by maintaining good blood pressure levels via certain prescriptions; diet awareness; and an exercise plan. Many of the Rileys – including my father – are managing another predictor of stroke crisis: diabetes. 

As for me, I maintain a 29-inch waist that I’ve had since high school and a very active lifestyle. One might think I have little about which to be concerned. That said, I’m not fooling myself into thinking that – at 40 years of age and with the medical family history that I have – that I don’t have to begin my own mission for optimum health – including working out and eating healthier. In fact, on this morning, as tempting and easy as it would be for me to snag a high-calorie breakfast that echoes that best of what Gran Gran used to make, I will substitute turkey bacon for fat back; and wheat toast w/veggie spread in lieu of hot, uber-buttered biscuits.

And the morale of the story for me that I share with my extended family – my clan with whom I share a blood line… and the many sisters and brothers from other mothers – is we all have the POWER to make choices that can support us all to reverse the effects of - and the crisis that is - STROKE.  As we stand on the strong shoulders of our forefathers and foremothers who perhaps didn’t know better, the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign armors us all to know better and, subsequently, to do better. And be better.

SEE BELOW… FOR MORE TICKET INFORMATION on “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT (featuring Chrisette Michele – on Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m.  - at The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY):

1. By phone call Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000

2. Online at www.Ticketmaster.com

3. Ticketmaster Outlet (search for Chrisette Michele)

www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004651D154A2C1

4. http://powertoendstroke.org/power-awards-2011.html

 

Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 10:27PM by Registered CommenterTHE LIFE OF RILEY in , , , , , , , , | Comments3 Comments | References30 References

References (30)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.
  • Response
    Response: Hollister France
    at Hollister France on October 21, 2013
    Hi, this essay is despite the small, but rich in content. Reverie verbiage. If you want to see details:Hollister France
  • Response
    Response: Ugg Ultimate Tall Boots 5340
    at Ugg Ultimate Tall Boots 5340 on October 31, 2013
    UGG Boots made pretty effectively recognized for getting the makers of high quality footwear
  • Response
    Response: web indexing
    at web indexing on November 1, 2013
    Good Site, Continue the good job. Thanks a lot!
  • Response
    Response: my review here
    at my review here on December 2, 2013
    Wonderful Webpage, Carry on the useful job. Thanks a lot.
  • Response
    Response: Andrew Ting md
    at Andrew Ting md on December 15, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: three dollar click
    at three dollar click on December 17, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: three dollar click
    at three dollar click on December 17, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: four dollar click
    at four dollar click on December 18, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: four dollar click
    at four dollar click on December 18, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: four dollar click
    at four dollar click on December 18, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: four dollar click
    at four dollar click on December 18, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: we buy houses worcester
    at we buy houses worcester on December 20, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: bradley kurgis
    at bradley kurgis on December 26, 2013
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: SENuke Download
    at SENuke Download on January 17, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: judge ray harding
    at judge ray harding on February 8, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: judge ray harding
    at judge ray harding on February 9, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Judge Ray Harding
    at Judge Ray Harding on February 10, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Linda Sabeh
    at Linda Sabeh on February 16, 2014
    a day in "the life of riley" - blog - american heart association presents “you are the power” benefit concert with chrisette michele (friday, may 6 at 8pm/the apollo theater)
  • Response
    Response: roofing auckland
    at roofing auckland on April 21, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Indian curry houses Milton Keynes
    at Indian curry houses Milton Keynes on May 7, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Solicitors Auckland
    at Solicitors Auckland on May 7, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: radiator repair
    at radiator repair on May 23, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Roof Ventilation Brisbane
    at Roof Ventilation Brisbane on May 30, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Infusionsoft Consultant Australia
    at Infusionsoft Consultant Australia on May 30, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: dents removal
    at dents removal on June 5, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: green coffee bean supplements
    at green coffee bean supplements on August 16, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: Continuing
    at Continuing on September 2, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: search engine
    at search engine on September 3, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: pinterest
    at pinterest on September 10, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)
  • Response
    Response: instant coffee
    at instant coffee on September 16, 2014
    A Day In "The Life Of Riley" - Blog - American Heart Association presents “YOU ARE THE POWER” BENEFIT CONCERT with Chrisette Michele (Friday, May 6 at 8pm/The Apollo Theater)

Reader Comments (3)

Awe-inspiring bequest! Your post is attention-grabbing. I feel affection for it. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in your post.
May 29, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterPhone Sex
tiffany --One may fall in love with many people during the lifetime.-<a href="http://www.replicashoesbuy.com/replica-jimmy-choo-shoes-996.html">replica Jimmy Choo Shoes</a>
September 15, 2011 | Unregistered Commentertiffany1
I am plagued with your illustration. Thanks for giving out your creative mind's eye.
December 10, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSex Chat Line

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
All HTML will be escaped. Hyperlinks will be created for URLs automatically.