Dish-Houston

Most people know Robert Boudwin by his job. He is Clutch, the Houston Rockets Mascot. He is in the Mascot Hall of Fame and has won national awards being the silly, happy, fun bear that everyone loves but there is a serious side to the man behind the mask. DISH sat with Robert to talk about how he chose to spend his 38th birthday. 

DISH: Robert, tell me about how you ended up connecting with the Life Gift?

RB:      My Dad had been suffering from a degenerative and terminal non life style related lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) that has no known cure or treatment. He had been battling it for 4 years when things started to get worse the summer of 2011 and started to rapidly degenerate from that point on. The only thing that could be done to help was a lung transplant. It is not easy to qualify as organs are in high demand and short supply. Patients need to be sick enough to significantly benefit from a transplant, but not so sick that the transplant won't make a big enough difference if there are other problems. Doctors want to ensure that organs go to those who can benefit most. After the first of the year, my Dad got really bad when the disease started to take hold even more so and he was placed on 24 hour oxygen and pretty much confined to his home. IPF many times includes a slow degeneration and then a rapid fall off in just a few months or even weeks. That is what was happening to my father. Doctors at Methodist hospital began the process of evaluating whether he was a lung transplant candidate in mid January and had further test scheduled for February 13th, 2012 to make a final determination as to whether he could be on the transplant list and just where his need/rank would be on that list. Unfortunately and fortunately he did not get to do those tests on February 13th. On February 2 I brought my twin boys Jack and Luke to visit my parents for the day and as soon as I entered the house realized things were critical. My Dad could barely get out of bed with oxygen turned up all the way and assistance. He could not get through an entire sentence when speaking. We would come to find out later that the disease had significantly taken hold deteriorating what little was left of his lungs and was compounded by a severe case of pneumonia. After some discussion, I convinced my father to let me call his doctors and speak to them about the current situation. His blood oxygen levels would drop to critical levels when he would do anything other than lay in bed. I quickly learned form the doctors that oxygen levels like that are critical and everything from heart attack to stroke to other organ failure is an immanent risk. I needed to rush him to the ER immediately. He could not even make it to the car with assistance and oxygen without having to stop to sit in a chair just 15 feet from the car door. After spending some time in the ER my father was admitted to the IMU (just one level below the ICU) where he spent a week receiving high doses of steroids and antibiotics as well as other medications while bed ridden. He was also on 16 liters of oxygen the maximum that can be applied (only 6 liters can be administered at home).  The Doctors saved his life that day. They said that if he hadn't come in then, there was a good chance he could have died that day or night. After the pneumonia cleared, he was out of immediate danger, but they told me without a lung transplant he only had a couple of months to live. The doctors at Methodist were amazing! They were both highly skilled experts as well as compassionate human beings. Within 7 days my father was on the transplant list in the second position. A week after that on February 15th, 2012 my Dad received a successful double lung transplant that saved his life, God willing with continued recovery allow him to see his grandchildren grow up and continue to dance to the Beach Boys with their Pop-Pop:).  My father Paul would be dead right now if it weren't for the amazing gift of life that a generous organ donor made and decided in advance. Through one tragedy that my family greatly mourned and still mourns, a wonderful miracle was made possible and my father lives. He became friends with a family next to us in the hospital waiting room.  Their family member, Reggie, received a heart transplant from the same donor.  Reggie's life was saved as well!  My father was in the hospital recovering and his body learning to accept his new lungs for almost 3 months.  I visited him almost every day along with my young brother Paul and Mother as well as Aunts from the East Coast who made multiple trips to see Dad and support us.  One day I came across the Life Gift table set up in the concourse celebrating Donate Life month set for April.  I was immediately drawn to this cause and this specific organization for obvious reasons.  I wanted to do anything I could to help them in their vision of getting everyone to say YES to organ, eye, and tissue donation.  I learned that 18 people die everyday who could have otherwise been saved if there were available organs.  I also learned that there are 114,000 people in our country currently waiting on the transplant list for their second chance.  I made a financial donation and also asked if I could help spread their message as a spokesperson whose life was so greatly touched by an organ donor.  They said yes and were happy to have me on board.  We have just started our relationship with me as a spokesperson for them this summer.

DISH:  What are you doing to help them raise awareness and money?

RB:      So far I have recorded a 2 minute PSA on video for them.  It was just completed and so far they have used it on their web site and social media sites.  They will also be using it to show live at presentations.  I had my first live speaking engagement and presentation on July, 31st for the entire Houston Rockets organization at their monthly All-Team Members meeting.  I will begin speaking for the organization at other various events they coordinate after a press release is done in August.  In addition to awareness I hosted a fundraising event for my 38th birthday and asked guest to bring donations for Life Gift in instead of gifts for the birthday boy/bear;)  We raised $7,500.

DISH:      Why this particular transplant/organ donation charity?

RB:          I came in contact with them at Methodist Hospital where my Dad received his double lung transplant and was being treated in recovery.  It is the organization in this area responsible for organ, eye, and tissue donation awareness and also coordinates organs with their recipients at the actual hospital.

Here is the Video Robert shot for Life Gift! Please CLICK HERE to donate!

DISHIES! This is one of the best events of the year! Every year it is a COMPLETE BLAST!! Last year the entire zoo rocked out to the B52's and this year's big musical treat is Blues Traveler! You can be among the first to reserve your spot for the hottest entertainment event of the year.  Ticket sales begin September 4 for the Houston Zoo’s seventh annual Feast with the Beasts! Save the date:  November 2, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.. 

            “Houston is passionate about its international food and nonprofits,” said Rafael Bustillo, who heads up commercial banking at BBVA Compass. “As a member of the Houston Zoo board, I am proud to have BBVA Compass present this exciting event that will benefit the Zoo’s animals and its wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. Through our charitable arm of BBVA Compass Foundation, we promote conservation including educational programs for children."

Feast with the Beasts is the most anticipated musical and animal entertainment event but it is THE culinary event of the year.  Enjoy exotic culinary fare from more than 60 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and special animal presentations all set against the Zoo’s naturally wild backdrop. 

Last year’s event was a sellout success and folks were clammoring at the gates trying to get in! Feast tickets are $95 for Zoo members and $105 for non-members.  Purchase before September 17 and receive $10 off.  VIP tickets are available for $150. You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.  Valid form of identification is required for admission.  All ticket purchases are non-refundable.  Feast with the Beasts will happen rain or shine.  For more details CLICK HERE.

About Blues Traveler

            It’s not every band that is still staking out new musical territory and embracing fresh challenges more than 20 years into their career, but that’s the case with Blues Traveler.  Having long ago graduated from the jam-band underground to mainstream stardom, the iconoclastic combo has consistently stuck to its guns and played by its own rules.  Blues Traveler’s large and widely loved body of work includes eight studio albums and four live discs, six of them certified Gold or Platinum, with combined worldwide sales of more than ten million units.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.  Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes.  Travel to Africa.  No Passport Required. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or CLICK HERE

Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information visit www.aza.org.

How is this for a great family outing idea for the weekend?? Take a walk through the downtown theatre district while popping into the different theatres FOR FREE!! (You know that is DISH'S favorite price!) Have brunch at one of the amazing downtown restaurants (BirraPoretti'sis a DISH Favorite) this Sunday then stroll around! Maybe even end the day with a movie at The Sundance Theater!

From the Alley Theatre to the Hobby Center and all points in between you will be treated to lite bites, refreshing drinks and FREE THEATRE! All of the theatres will be showcasing the shows they have coming up in the new season.

Guests at the Hobby Center’s Theater District Open House this Sunday, from noon – 4 p.m., can enjoy a sneak peek of Broadway at the Hobby Center’s highly anticipated 2012 – 2013 season and take advantage of exclusive offers. Music Box Theater will be on hand, starting at 1 p.m., to perform a season revue including the classic hits, newest numbers and popular tunes which comprise the series’ 10^th anniversary season.

NOTE!!!! Sunday will also be an opportunity for the public to purchase tickets for the 25^thanniversary production of LES MISÉRABLES. The first 50 individuals to purchase tickets in person at the Hobby Center box office (open at 11 a.m.) will receive a LES MISÉRABLES t-shirt. Individuals who purchase a season subscription at Open House will receive some of the hottest music from Broadway with a complimentary iTunes Broadway Music collection download card. So great culture AND Free music! YES PLEASE!

The 2012 – 2013 Gexa Energy Broadway at the Hobby Center season includes:

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
September 25 – 30, 2012 
 

LES MISÉRABLES
November 6 – 11, 2012
 

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Houston Premiere)
February 5 – 10, 2013
 

JERSEY BOYS
March 13 – 30, 2013
 

SISTER ACT (Houston Premiere)
May 28 – June 2, 2013
 

WICKED
July 10 – August 11, 2013

Season tickets for the 2012-2013 Broadway at the Hobby Center series are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (800) 952-6560, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or online at BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Prices start at $114 for a five-show package and $158 for a six-show package. Individual tickets will be available six to eight weeks prior to each scheduled performance. For groups of 10 or more (20 or more for WICKED), please call (888) 451-5986 or e-mail houston.groups@broadwayacrossamerica.com.

Girls Only!GIRLS ONLY - THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN®, is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female.  With a two-woman cast and audiences full of raucous laughing women, the show has found quick popularity in its unique examination of all things girly.  In its Denver debut, this hit drew 96,000 women during a record-breaking run of nearly two years and 586 consecutive performances.  Now it’s Houston’s turn!!! YEA!!!  

Born out of the earnest and sweetly ridiculous writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, the GIRLS ONLY mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation, and hilarious songs and videos will remind you that underneath, women all have very funny and very charming feminine similarities.

Bring your mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends.  We promise you’ll leave laughing, ready to dig out your old diary.

Tickets:  $30 - $40

Purchase Tickets: CLICK HERE or 713.524.6706

For Group Savings 10+ call or email Ingrid Gunn: 281.740.4408 or ir194@aol.com

Show times:   Wed. & Thurs. 7:30pm; Fri. & Sat. 8:00pm; Sun. 3:00pm

Keep your eyes on DISH as well as our FACEBOOK and TWITTER because we will be giving tickets away for the first week of shows! =)

Rotary Skyline and Pepperdine Houston Chapter welcomed past Step Forward Day sponsors and many guests to their Kickoff Reception for Step Forward Day 2012, where about 80 attendees took in the beautiful views from The 43^rdRestaurant & Bar atop the Wedge Building while enjoying drinks, quesadillas, and delectable finger foods.

Guests were welcomed by Rotary Skyline President Ovi Galvan who participated in the traditional exchange of the club banners with visiting Rotarian Roseann Higgins (Phoenix 100 Club). Then Rotary Skyline Founder & Pepperdine Houston Alumni Charter President Corbett Parker provided an overview of how Step Forward Day was started 24 years ago by 2 Pepperdine students. These folks simply recognized the need for volunteers in the local community and wanted to share their passion for service with others.  Step Forward Day has grown to include 4,200 service hours across the globe and growing every year. 

Step Forward Day is described as a simple yet significant way for the community to be a neighbor and to participate in our mission and calling.  It is a great way to start the year out right, the chance to make new friends, and to prepare oneself to always "step forward".

The location of this year's focus will be Westview School. The Westview School is a private, non-profit school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  The school was founded in 1981 to provide a structured, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for children with learning differences which prevent them from being successful in regular programs.

SFD 2012 Co-Chair Michelle Bohreer provided an overview of this year’s service projects which include installing a water feature with a solar powered pump, nature garden, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, working with Westview student to create an indoor mural or mosaic, Christmas play set painting, library re-organizing.  Donna Marshall, Head of Westview School and John Moring, Development Director were on hand as well. Some of the tid-bits of information they provided is every 11 minutes a child is diagnosed with an ASD. Boys are 4:1 more likely to have an ASD. ASDs receive the lowest funding of research dollars in the United States.

The question now is how you can help as well!

DISHIES can plug into Step Forward Day 2012 by:

• Confirm attendance on Step Forward Day 2012 Facebook Page & invite others – There is no cost to attend.
• Let Co-Chairs Michelle Bohreer (MichelleB@bohreerzucker.com) or Corbett Parker (Corbett.Parker@gmail.com) know you want to be a part of the planning. Or just come to upcoming Rotary Club of Houston Skyline meetings.  
• Attend Tuesday, Aug 28 (6pm-7:30) art creation @ The Mad Potter - River Oaksfor benches being installed on Step Forward Day. Afterwards, attendees will take in a Houston Resturant Weeks dinner together.There is no fee to attend Mad Potter. Dinner is on you.
• Attend Tuesday, Sept 4 (6pm-8:00) prep work day @ The Westview School to ensure all is prepared and ready for Step Forward Day the following Saturday. Prep work will no doubt be followed by happy hour.

See you there, DISHIES! Can't wait to serve with you!