Neurofibromatosis Cafe A place to talk, have fun and share.

In a couple of weeks, we will have “Just Ask!” t-shirts in a ladies cut available in blue, pink and plum. They will have a v-neck, shortened sleeves and be more fitted for the female form. Sizes will include: kids medium, adult small, medium, large, XL, 2x and 3x. We will also continue to sell the Men’s Gold t-shirt as well also in the same sizes as the Ladies. We are currently updating our PayPal account to be able to handle these new items. You should be able to purchase your “Just Ask!” shirts in the next day or so. Shirts are $15 plus shipping. 100% of all proceeds will be used to spread awareness and acceptane of neurofibromatosis. We appreciate your support!

This is a simple blog to write today. I can’t say how thankful I feel.  It was a very busy morning, but in a good way. I was flooded with over 200 birthday wishes on Facebook. Just as my friend said, “You are 46 now, and you will be 47 when you finish replying to everyone who wished you Happy Birthday.”

Thank you, Lou, and everyone else who made my birthday the best one ever! Dinner with good friends, and at one of the friendliest places in Houston, the Saltgrass Steak House in Meyerland  just off 610.   The staff did a tremendous job! Special thanks to Michael, our server, who kept Lou’s beer cold and the food coming!!!

I had the surprise of my life when we walked in the door at Saltgrass. Standing in front of me was an old friend from the early days of the Texas NF Foundation, Gary Stankowski!!!! It was so nice seeing him and his very pretty wife, Susie.

Those that didn’t have dinner with me sent a most welcome happy birthday text. But not until I was born, 9:45pm  I thought it was funny and true.

Enjoy the photos. I didn’t get drunk nor did I drink so there are no embarrassing photos. Well, except for those with Lou and Everette!

PHOTOS

Tonight, Matt, Geo and I went to PJ’s for Steak Nite. We wanted Reggie to go but he wasn’t feeling up to it. It’s been a while since the gang has been here but we decided to start the tradition back up again. Hopefully, next tine Willian, John Person, John Aucoin, and John Cassius will be able to join us. It was great seeing PJ and some of the regulars although missing were some of our favorites: Dawn, Ovie, Jenny, Erica and the rest of the dudes. But hey, what the hell, you gotta start somewhere! Next Thursday will be even better! We’ll drag Reggie here if we have to!

Today was a great day at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The Texas NF Foundation put on a symposium for NF patients detailing the latest treatment options, research, genetic testing, clinical trials, learning disabilities, and educational partnerships regarding neurofibromatosis. We had incredible presenters: Dr. John Slopis, Dr. Bartlett Moore, Dr. Ian McCutcheon, Dr. Shweta Dhar, Dr. Laura Klesse and Brenda Nelson.

Drs. John Slopis and Bart Moore, Reggie Bibbs and Dr. Ian McCutcheon of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

PHOTOS

When I was in Grand Rapids a few months ago, I met  Drew Nelson. I listened to him play, and I think he is terrific!  I was able to say hello and speak to him for just a short time.  We just became friends on Facebook. He had a show last night and even though I wasn’t there, I asked him to sing one on my favorite songs of his, “Molly’s Home” from his new album, “Dusty Road to Beulah Land.” Here is the message he sent to me after the show,

“Hey Reggie.. I played ‘Molly’s Home’ tonight .. Closed my eyes and pictured you. Hope you are doing well.” – Drew

What a nice guy. When he is in Houston, I for sure will go see him play. He has supported an NF event in Grand Rapids so I’m going to support him with his gift of music.  I hope my friends will  support him as well!

Drew’s Facebook Page

The future stars of the Houston Roller Derby, 2011!

Thank you, girls, for putting up with me tonight and being so nice to Reggie. If you are a sampling of the talent coming up in the roller derby system, Houston Roller Derby will be in great hands in the years to come! Please leave your names in the comment area so we can tag your names. Also, Please friend Reggie Bibbs on Facebook. We will be posting the photos there as well and we’d love to tag your photos!

To all the wonderful people we met tonight, please leave a comment, tell us your name, friend Reggie Bibbs on Facebook and let Reggie know just how important what he is doing is. It was so heartening tonight to have people come up to Reggie and introduce themselves and shake his hand. Reggie is definitely an inspiration to us all!

PHOTOS Also, Reggie and I got a big surprise when Todd Packard came up to us before the matches started and handed us two bagfuls of “Just Ask!” pins. (See inset photo) He printed two designs, one with the face outline and another with the script”Just Ask” and the url. We were both touched by the sincerity of Todd and his generosity, Thank you, Todd! What a great idea!!!

Todd Packard

Raven Knockahoe

PHOTOS

Tonight was very special as the Discovery Channel was in town filming a documentary about Reggie. Thanks to our dear friends at Saltgrass Steak House, the Psych Ward Sirens and all of our friends at the Houston Roller Derby, for making this an evening Reggie will never forget!

Toni Niece, of Saltgrass Steak House, gave us permission to shoot some interviews at their restaurant on I-10 @ Campbell Road. Thank you, Toni, the restaurant was perfect, the food excellent and the staff incredible! Our waiter, Chris, was outstanding and took wonderful care of us. Also, thank you for the delicious appetizers! That was completely unnecessary but totally appreciated!

Saltgrass Steak House Rocks!

I

Jill Lyons Cannon and Family at Airport

My trip to Salt Lake City was the best ever. I met Maurice, his wife and kids. Brenda, Maurice’s mom is an amazing lady. I felt so welcome when I walked in the house. The kids and family members made me feel at home. Maurice and I really had a great talk, fun conversation. Amazing how we both have the same thoughts about  we live our lives.  I know I was bless by this family. Found new friends,  that I will always keep in contact with.

MORE PHOTOS