Michelle Bart
Helping Heros Productions
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On Thursday, May 25, 2006 my heart filled with happy tears as many packed the living room of San Dimas resident, Brian Mammen, 18, who only forty-eight hours earlier had been going through a tough round of chemotherapy at City of Hope in Duarte. What looked as if the friendly visit from a musical icon may need to be cancelled, the strength in this weak and pale young man did a 180 degree turn, resulting in a smile that lit up the room! Michael Anthony, the famous base player of rock band Van Halen, paid Brian a special visit and not only brought him sunshine for a few hours, but also brought a quiet and humble teen to a comfort zone; that surprised even his mother, Judi. Anthony, who casually strolled in with his brother Dennis, looked as if he had just gotten off his surfboard. Laidback, funny, and instantly part of the family, Anthony brought Brian into another world.. A world without pain; a world without medication; and a world without doubt. For a few moments, Michael Anthony had the power to bring the world of hope and encouragement to not only Brian but to all those in his life that have seen his obstacles and struggles. Brian Mammen was diagnosed with bone cancer in his right leg at fifteen; after a rough chemo ride, several surgeries, and a prosthetic, it seemed as if Brian was out of danger and a bright future was on the horizon, that was until recently when what was to be his last screening showed that the cancer had metastasize and a larger tumor was discovered in his shoulder. Afraid of infections, each of us were asked to wash our hands as we entered so not to further advance infection to the impaired immune system. As I asked Brian about his appetite, he was quick to answer “everyone always thinks loosing weight is hard, it’s actually much harder to gain weight when you need to,” said Mammen. Due to precautions of bacteria growth, one would assume a trip to burger haven, In & Out would be the answer, but reality is those are foreign items in Brian’s case, making the weight gain harder for Brian. Not allowing his disease or his ill feeling to torment his visit with Anthony, Brian welcomed him with “you want to see my Mustang.” Anthony a classic car buff, jumped at the opportunity and they all took a walk to the driveway where Brian showed the car he hopes to be able to enjoy for years to come! Candy Apple Red, the car was sweet but the conversation and friendship was the cake! The comfort zone between Mammen and Anthony was breath-taking and the jam session that followed took my breath away! A lesson of music, a lesson of strings, and a lesson of friendship were all ingredients to a perfect afternoon! |
I had the pleasure of meeting Van Halen years ago in Hollywood, Florida. Then a wild teenager and crazy for the four guys on stage, I was even star-struck myself this afternnon! I enjoyed going down memory lane with Michael regarding the stadium in Florida that was once home to many 70’s and 80’s musical groups, but to break bread with Michael today; even my teenage years could never replace what I experienced today with Brian and Michael! Mammen, with much time to spend watching television, playing video games and thinking of the future; dreams of attending a video game convention in Tokyo, catching a re-run of Family Guy, and attending prom on June 3rd. With graduation on June 15th and continued doctor visits, today’s visit from musical icon, Michael Anthony was just what the doctor order… laughter, friends, and dreams are the best medicine! “Statistics are frankly not good for Brian, however, we will not speculate on the future nor exclude the divine power of God to heal him,” said Pastor Patrick Curley. “We are however doing our part in helping to raise funds for Brian and his family and we are hoping the public will join us for this time to not celebrate the disease but celebrate Brian’s contributions to society and our community,” said Curley. A Dinner & Auction will be held at the church on June 11th (304 E. Covina Blvd., Covina) beginning at 4 p.m. “The purpose of this event is to raise much needed funds for the Mammen family and help make a few dreams become a reality for Brian,” said Curley. Oprah Winfrey said, “Don’t complain about what you don’t have. Use what you have. To do less than your best is a sin. Every single one of us has the power of greatness, because greatness is determined by service—to yourself and to others.” Michael Anthony has shown greatness throughout the years, but today he demonstrated the power to bring happiness to one person that will remember this moment for a lifetime. Thanks for the memories. |