September 12, 2006

I had a terrific time at the second annual Bruce Edwards-ALS Research Foundation dinner Monday night. The event was put together by noted columnist and author John Feinstein and Tom Watson, winner of eight major golf tournaments.

Edwards was Watson's long-time caddy until he lost has battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). The disease is fatal, and there is no cure.

Talk about a friendship, Watson and Edwards were a special duo. Watson hung in all the way 'til the end, and it was a touching story. ALS paralyzes the muscles and ultimately takes away your power to breathe. Watson never forgot his friend and he and Feinstein are raising millions of dollars for ALS research.

Feinstein wrote the masterpiece, "Caddy for Life" about Edwards, and my friends, it is a must read! It will put you into such a state; I did not know Edwards or Watson but after reading the book, I felt like I knew them forever. Edwards' family was in attendance at this event, and what a special group.

If you defined the word "friend", Watson's picture with Edwards should be next to it. Edwards has such a passion and love for golf and he enjoyed caddying so much. He received a doctorate in the world of caddying!

Monday night was a tribute to two beautiful people, Watson and Edwards. Everyone involved with the fundraiser should be proud as the event raised over $600,000. If enough dollars are gained and the research is done, a cure will be found for this dreaded disease. It is all about money, money, money.

You can put certain forms of cancer in remission, but there is no cure for ALS. Edwards would be smiling to know so many of his buddies came out to support this cause, golfers, basketball personalities like Gary Williams and Roy Williams were in attendance. Many played golf during the day, guys like Jimmy Boeheim, Jim Calhoun. Your talking about four guys who won national titles covering consecutive years! As I told the crowd, there were so many winners in attendance. Cal Ripken Jr., whose streak of 2,632 consecutive games played is absolutely amazing. Lefty Driesell with 786 career wins was present. He won 100 or more games at four different Division I schools, an incredible feat that is unmatched.

Former tennis player and current CBS-HBO analyst Mary Carillo did a phenomenal job as host. Our own Jay Bilas and Andy North were there as well.

It was a beautiful evening and a special tribute to a great guy, Bruce Edwards. There are a lot of similarities between the tragedies of Edwards and Jimmy Valvano. Both had a passion and love for what they were doing. Each had an incredible sense of humor and they both wanted to work until the end.

There is a special Web site tied into ALS research and golf called bruceedwardsfoundation.org. It is one to check out. Edwards and Jimmy V. have made an impact for generations to come. They are both winners as they have affected so many people's lives.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.