It isn't often that I write about something other than sports in my blog. I am today. I want to introduce you to a 7 year old Valley girl named Mae Watson. I met this incredible person at a charitable event recently. She touched my heart and the upwards of 300 people who attended the event. Her calling card is a "THUMBS UP". Mae has trouble seeing and walking. Those disabilities however didn't stop her from walking through AuntChilada's Restaurant to meet and greet everyone.

I didn't realize how special this frail 7 year old was until the buzz started about an hour into the event. People all around me whispered, Mae's here, Mae's here. The word spread though the crowd like a wild fire. As Mae enjoyed the festivities, much of it in the arms of her father Brett, people continued to spend large amounts of money on silent auction items initially and then they participated in a live auction. Here's as close to talking about sports in this blog as I'll go. Many of the items up for bid were sports related, including a Matt Leinart autographed Cardinals helmet, an autographed Steve Nash jersey along with the 2001 world series game winning hit picture of Luis Gonzalez, which also featured his signature, just to name a few. Resorts donated get away weekends, beautiful jewelry was also given to this charitable event along with toys, an 8 week old puppy and hundreds of wonderful items. Sue Ciccolini and Angie Taylor, along with so many volunteers, made this event happen.

Let me back track a bit. The reason Mae has trouble seeing and walking is because of cancer. This innocent little girl was healthy and happy until her world was stunned with the news last January. She has an inoperable brain tumor that has ravaged her tiny body. Her humble parents needed help because insurance won't cover her next round of treatment. The tumor on her brain has quit growing. Funds for additional treatment grew on this special night. The goal was to raise 30,000 dollars. They reached it and then some.

Mae's battle is at a critical stage and with the help of so many wonderful people on a beautiful night in Phoenix, she has the tools or in this case the money, to continue her courageous battle.
After I finished the live auction, Mae's father Brett, gave me a hug. It was one of the greatest hugs this macho sportscaster has ever received.

Mae can still use some financial help. I urge you to go to www.acteva.com/go/maeday for a donation.

Gary Cruz
CBS 5 Sports Anchor
gcruz@kpho.com