Robbie's Mom writes about Cher Convention

Cher Convention : August 11-12, 2008 at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

Robbie's Mom shares her impressions of the Cher Convention and reveals the Chicago Connection!

The first convention was held in Chicago and at the time we lived in the Milwaukee area so it would have been easy to get down there to attend. Well, it was during our birthday weekend that year (Robbie's birthday is July 14th, mine is the 15th) and I begged off, not wanting to "work" during my birthday. That first event was a smashing success and the CCA kids in attendance with their parents couldn't sing praises enough and we regretted not attending. So, when 2002 rolled around, Robbie and I did indeed attend. It was in Vegas and it was everything we were told it would be. What an incredible group of people coming together to enjoy their shared "fan"aticism for Cher while helping this cause.

Robbie was one of Cher's first "CCA kids." She met him when he was very little, just 2 almost 3, backstage at her concert in Milwaukee.  Later that fall at 3 years, he traveled to Washington DC with me to join Cher and a contingent of families from across the nation for a congressional hearing about the problems families face with insurance coverage for corrective surgeries of craniofacial conditions. (Obviously not cosmetic operations but necessary reconstructive procedures and I'm afraid that battle continues still.) Cher really got to know these kids and she has followed Rob's progress all his life.

When we saw Cher again after the Cher Convention we told her all about it... how it was like a Star Trek convention, except with all things "Cher." She was intrigued. 

Each year when the convention is held, we share tidbits of Rob's 'Cher experiences' and the attendees seem to enjoy hearing about how she really lives up to the awe she inspires. One Christmas Eve, Cher called Robbie out of the blue. Word had gotten back to her about how he was being picked on at school and how one of the mean kids had broken his glasses. Her loving support has bolstered these kids through the years and they really feel her caring friendship. How nice when a celebrity really is "all that" and more!

Rob feels the same way about the Cher Convention people. He has grown up with them. He sees these people more than some relatives and he feels their support and love just as if. Rob counts the organizers and impersonators among his good friends and he has met many wonderful people who've joined the convention events. This means the world to these kids who are pretty sharp and who definitely know insincerity. But, these are folks who like the kids unconditionally. Yes, they treat them as "special" but CCA kids don't have to worry about the true nature of this befriending. It is pure acceptance that comes from belonging to this group; a group with huge hearts who raise funds to help CCA.

I guess any of us who have been left out of anything we've wanted to be a part of or who have been laughed at or ridiculed, would understand this important acceptance. We can't wait to see everyone again and to meet all the new folks! The feeling of belonging to this group is overwhelming.

All proceeds from the Cher Convention go to the Children's Craniofacial Association.

Donations can be made to the Children's Craniofacial Association through the CCA website at ccakids.org

 

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