#teambrittni

I had so much fun today at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters gala, fundraiser called 'Wine, Women & Shoes. I met so many wonderful people, and ended up taking home an award for raising the most money for the charity (Thanks to all of you who helped me). So in today's 'Daily Message' I show you the award I was presented, totally unexpected, and I give you not one, but two messages. One is serious and the other is funny. I'm hoping the funny one doesn't offend you. lol

Two years ago today, my daughter Brittni was diagnosed with leukemia. Today she is in remission and works very very hard to keep her body as healthy as it can be. The last two years have been tough on our family. A child should never have to go through something like cancer and a parent should never have to watch it. Two years ago, not only did Brittni's life change, but so did mine. I'm just now trying to get my life back. To breathe again. Brttini has never let her illness stop her journey. She's in clinical at UL. She continues to live. I haven't been. Today's message speaks to my heart and I hope it speaks to yours as well.

Mary 'Brittni' Clements, my daughter, was diagnosed with leukemia February of last year and spent 39 days at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. During that time, back home, there was a #teambrittni explosion happening. I watched everyday on my phone, the only method I had in the hospital by which to keep in touch with what was going on at home. I could see something building. I told my ex-wife Deborah, I said, "I think something is happening back home. I'm starting to see pictures of signs on the side of roads with Brittni's name on them". In just a few days time, people all over the world were holding up 'Team Brittni' signs in pics on social media, speedways had Brittni's name on their marquees, celebrities were seen holding 'Team Brittni' signs as well, some even dropping by the hospital, it was insane. Brittni had to be moved to the largest room on the cancer floor of the hospital because of all the mail and parcel being delivered everyday. At one point, she had her own mail delivery cart that came two to three times a day. One of the staff at Moffitt Cancer Center asked me, "Who are you people?". I just replied, "We live in a very special place".

She's been called 'Adaciana's Daughter' after Brittni Clements, CJ's daughter from KTDY's CJ and Debbie Ray in the Morning's public battle with cancer and today she turns 24-years-old. Keeping to family tradition, there was the annual birthday dinner earlier in the week. That's when the Clements family member having the birthday gets to pick where the dinner is the take place. Brittni chose iMonelli Restaurant on Johnston in Lafayette. Dinner was amazing, the service impeccable, but the birthday candles on the cake caused a bit of a commotion.

Thursday June 1, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Acadiana held it's annual Man and Woman of the Year Gala in Lafayette. The night is an event to announce the Man and Woman of the Year, to a find out just how much the candidates raised, to raise even more money with special auctions and to enjoy great food, friendships and learn about blood cancers that take too many of our loved ones.

Brittni is calling on the #TEAMBRITTNI nation to help eliminate childhood cancer.

In my twenties I never was a guy who wanted children. At least not so early in my life. Children are a huge responsibility. A refrigerator comes with a manual, children don't. And I knew I wasn't prepared mentally or financially. Newsflash, one is never prepared. As fate would have it, Deborah and I, now divorced, were blessed with two of the most incredible beings ever created by the hands of God.

Lucky Deuces was so generous, offering to double whatever he collected.

Our Acadiana tradition of helping others is what this weekend is all about, with Brittni Fest, Fishing For Memories, and more!

Brittni is HOME! She and her mom Deborah, arrived in Lafayette this past Saturday just in time for Father's Day. It's all I wanted for Father's Day this year and I'll be darned if she didn't make it happen.

Brittni Fest is the brainchild of one special individual, his name is Myles Bunker. After being diagnosed with leukemia February 11th of this year, Myles wrote a song for Brittni, jumped in his truck in Lafayette and drove to Moffitt Cancer Center to perform it live, in Tampa!

There will be a benefit for #teambrittni and The A Team at Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers in Duson Saturday, June 11.

20% of all sales on that day will be donated to the #teambrittni fund to help the family with expenses while Brittni fights leukemia.

All day Thursday (10:30am - 10pm), Pizza Artista will be donating 20% of their proceeds to #teambrittni.

This Thursday, April 28, Lagneaux's restaurant on Ridge Road will be holding a #teambrittni fundraiser. Lagneaux's will be donating 10% of the day's proceeds to the #teambrittni fund to help the family as Brittni battles Leukemia. For more information, contact Lagneaux's...

From 4-9pm, 20% of all sales will go to the #teambrittni fund to help the family with expenses while Brittni fights leukemia.

From 4-9pm, 20% of all sales will go to the #teambrittni fund to help the family with expenses while Brittni fights leukemia.

There will be a volunteer meeting tonight for anyone interested in helping this Saturday at the Scott Skedaddle.

If you are a native, or just a fan of New Orleans, here's the perfect shirt for you to show your support for leukemia awareness and #teambrittni!

For each unit of blood donated, credit will be given to Brittni's account in Florida to help reduce expenses.