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Thomas Hartman: Inspiring Confidence and Generosity A.J. Carter June 7, 2004 Msgr. Thomas Hartman told us this story, and it is a clear example of why his fund-raiser next week for research into Parkinson's disease is shaping up as the event of the season in the business community: There's something about Hartman that inspires even those who think they need no inspiration. "When I first got Parkinson's I was depressed, and then after a while, thinking about it and praying about it, I was out in Montauk, I heard God say to me, 'Don't worry, don't be afraid, I'll be with you, you'll be OK, and I started thinking wider than myself," Hartman told us. "I realized that maybe I was being called to be an example of suffering, not just to give sermons about it, but to look at the positive nature of it." Hartman set up his Parkinson's research foundation. With the help of WLNY/55 chairman Michael Pascucci, Hartman got hooked up with the doctors treating actor Michael J. Fox, and then with someone who is on the board of Fox's foundation, which is among the most active in supporting Parkinson's research. "So I called Michael, and we made arrangements to get together," Hartman said, "For me, it was like going to meet Muhammad Ali - the one who is tops in their field. I met him, and I said, 'Michael, I admire you. I think you have done more than anyone for Parkinson's, anyone in the world ...' "He said, 'I know that you've been anxious to meet me, but actually, I've been waiting for 10 years to meet you. And as you get to know me better, you'll know that I have an abhorrence for priests, ministers and rabbis who lead people to feel guilty, to feel unloved and unworthy. I've listened to you for 10 years on public TV, and not once did I ever hear a word in that direction from you. ... Because of that, you're the only person that I've ever seen do that, I have to say, I admire you.'" So far, 1,200 people have signed up for Hartman's June 15 dinner at the Huntington Town House. Hartman said he will announce that a Long Island business person - we don't know the name - has pledged $1 million; at least another $500,000 should be raised. Fox has agreed to match the take. SOURCE: Newsday, NY http://tinyurl.com/2lpah * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn