Mariah Carey's music has been my source of inspiration through the many highs and lows of my life. I suffer from two life-threatening illnesses known as Tuberous Sclerosis and Polycystic Kidney Disease. Due to inoperable growths in my brain, I have dealt with horrid seizures, rashes on my face and body, as well as kidney problems. On December 11, 2002, I was granted, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a lengthy one-on-one meeting with Mariah Carey (FMI: Wish Come True). During this time, we openly shared about my illnesses, death and God. This was a moment in my life that I will forever cherish and never forget.
On March 27, 2005, I suffered another massive seizure that came very close to ending my presence here on earth. The emergency room doctors had extreme difficulty saving my life and, once again, I found myself battling through a tough recovery process. Less than a week before this medical nightmare occurred, a local 'religious' group suggested to me that my purpose in life was to suffer with my diseases and to be alone. This 'curse' was only the beginning of several verbal and written statements from the group. In fact, these pastors continued to harass me with their arrogance and depravity two weeks after my hospitalization. I was left immersed in hopelessness, desperation, and isolation. Totally overwhelmed with life, I decided to listen to Mariah Carey's new classic song, "We Belong Together." While the song played, I received a phone call from a member of Mariah Carey's team, who told me that Mariah was inviting me to be with her in New York City to celebrate the release of the diva's newest album, "The Emancipation of Mimi". I quickly accepted the offer and then broke down with tears of gratefulness and joy. The darkness that surrounded my life for the past several weeks had vanished. I was now filled with feelings of hope, love and acceptance. The days leading up to the New York City trip went by very quickly. I received a call from Good Morning America just before we were scheduled to leave. They asked me if I would like to be interviewed during the telecast of the concert by meteorologist, Tony Perkins. Whereas my passion in life is meteorology, I could not pass up such an exciting opportunity. Soon enough, my parents, brother, and I arrived in New York City under clear skies and cold temperatures during the afternoon of April 11, 2005. After we unpacked our luggage at the Times Square Millennium Hotel, we immediately began to explore the area. Of course, our first stop was at the "Crossroads of America" and eventually we made our way to the top of the Empire State Building. Afterwards, we ate dinner at a fantastic Irish pub and then hit the sheets in anticipation for an eventful day to come.
The professionalism of Tony Perkins and the entire ABC crew made me feel very comfortable. During the ninety second interview I was asked about my connection with Mariah Carey, my passion for weather, and I was even able to assist Tony with the forecast. After the interview finished, I was escorted to the side of the stage as Mariah Carey performed her hit, "It's Like That." Once the song finished, Mariah walked off the stage toward me. Her warm eyes and beautiful smile greeted me as she gleefully hugged me. Mariah asked me how I was doing and said that she was delighted to see me at the concert. She said goodbye as her bodyguards whisked her away.
As I stood at side stage I watched Mariah perform two more songs, including her record-breaking Billboard 16th #1 smash, "We Belong Together." Mariah eventually finished her spectacular performance and graciously exited the stage. I was then asked to follow Diane Sawyer onto center stage. It was then in total amazement that I watched as Mariah Carey came back up on center stage. While being broadcasted live to over twenty-one million viewers in the world, Mariah Carey honored me by allowing me the privilege to stand beside her during the finale of the show. Even more heart touching, was when Mariah reached over and gave me a hug. She then positioned the microphone in front of me so that I could say "hello" to the world.
Within minutes the finale for the Good Morning America concert in Times Square ended. Being on stage with my hero was the most healing and memorable moment in my life. I am forever grateful to Mariah, her team, and the Good Morning America crew for the kindnesses that they showed towards me. To say the least, their actions changed my life forever. Before we all departed, Mariah performed two more songs from her #1 album, "The Emancipation Of Mimi". These songs aired the following day and on the weekend edition of Good Morning America. The kind and generous blessings from Mariah Carey had only begun. After Good Morning America ended, Mariah gave my family and I VIP tickets to watch her appearance on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), which was scheduled to broadcast at 5 PM in the afternoon. Before hand my family and I took advantage of the beautiful day. We walked throughout many portions of New York City including Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and Grand Central Station. After several miles of walking, it became time to enter the MTV studios in order to watch Mariah Carey's live appearance on TRL. We were greeted by a member of her management team who then escorted us into TRL's green room. When we arrived in the green room an unexpected and special blessing took place when I was greeted by Brenda K. Starr. Brenda recognized me because of my early morning appearance on Good Morning America. She graciously introduced herself and her family to me and my family. Back in the 1980s Mariah sang backup for this Grammy nominated singer, who was also highly instrumental in launching Mariah's career. To say the least, on this day Brenda was a messenger of God in my life as she spoke incredible words of wisdom and encouragement. Alongside my father, we were able to talk with Brenda for about thirty minutes, but soon enough, it was time to go watch Mariah Carey on TRL. Nonetheless, Brenda's message of light and love remains deeply planted in my heart and mind. My family and I arrived at Mariah Carey's Best Buy CD signing in Lower Manhattan one hour after the live MTV broadcast finished. Once again, a member from Mariah Carey's management team greeted us at the entrance to the building and then escorted us inside. A short time later as Mariah Carey entered the building, sounds of excitement could be heard throughout the store. I was privileged to be first to greet Mariah as dozens of photographers from around the world snapped pictures. Mariah's smile grew wide when I came into view. As I passed her my CD, she held my hand and asked me how I was feeling and if I was still studying meteorology. She humbly told me that she was so happy to be with me on Good Morning America earlier in the day. Mariah then waved goodbye as she passed me the CD with a note that she wrote in the cover booklet. Thereafter my brother and parents then had the opportunity to greet Mariah.
After a relatively short night's sleep, my family and I hurried out the door as it was important to us to say goodbye to two individuals that made this trip so very memorable. First we spent several minutes with a very special member of Mariah's team, who has warmed our hearts with care and concern for many years. Next we met with a member of ABC, who had escorted us and watched over our every need throughout the Good Morning America experience. These meaningful meetings ended our New York City visit. We were then on the way back home, forever changed, to northern New England.
I write the conclusion of this article as I sit recovering in my home after having suffered yet another major seizure. As I reflect upon the the entire New York City trip I am left overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings that have been given to me. Mariah Carey has indeed changed my life forever. The wonderful memories that she has placed in my life, carry me through each and every new day.  |
Since the very special meeting in 2002, Mariah and I have kept in close contact. Throughout the years she has personally sent to me a video taped message, as well as many hand written notes. When her 2003 Charmbracelet World Tour landed in Manchester, NH, I was able to meet with her backstage (FMI: 
At 8 AM on Tuesday, April 12, my family and I finally had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful member of Mariah Carey's management team whom we had been communicating with for many years. This individual was as kind hearted and gracious in person as she was on the phone. At the same time we were also introduced to a producer from Good Morning America, who welcomed us with open arms. Within minutes we were escorted from our hotel lobby into the green room at ABC's Time Square studios. Before my eyes could blink, I was being wired up for my interview and escorted onto the concert stage. I was introduced to ABC's anchor weatherman, Tony Perkins, whose warm ways quickly put me at ease. Just before the live broadcast, I had the added pleasure of meeting both Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson.
Whereas the night was still young, my family and I decided to spend the remaining time by paying respect to the victims of September 11th at Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. To say the least, the time viewing Ground Zero was a very solemn and humbling experience. We then walked to Battery Park and returned to our hotel in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.