Teen battling cancer gets inauguration tickets

[RamboLiberal]

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

A new chapter will be written Tuesday in the young life of James Kessler, the cancer-fighting San Francisco high school student whose dream of meeting Barack Obama came true right before the presidential election.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pitched in with a pair of inaugural tickets so James and his mom could witness Obama's swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, capping an emotionally charged two months for the 17-year-old Stuart Hall High School senior and class president.

We reported back in November that James was battling a rare form of sarcoma and had only one wish - to meet Obama in Chicago on election night.

After the Make-a-Wish Foundation contacted The Chronicle, James' request was forwarded to the Obama campaign - which led to a surprise offer for the teen to fly to Henderson, Nev., to meet one-on-one with the Democratic nominee on the weekend before his historic election.

Obama urged James to "dream big" - and said he looked forward to having him at the inauguration if elected.



Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/18/BAIE15C5FU.DTL&type=politics&tsp=1

[stillcool]

1. ........

By Sunday, however, James was feeling well enough to make the flight - so off he went with his mom, Jean Rowcliffe. The inaugural tickets are waiting for them, and they've landed a hotel room across from the White House. "Things just keep falling in place, and James is tickled pink," Rowcliffe told us before leaving. "And as much as it's a cliche to talk about hope, (Obama) really gave James hope - and that's such a gift."

[Brucie Kibbutz]

2. very cool!

I hope he has a great time. :applause:

[GetTheRightVote]

3. What a difference from Bush, so cool, so real, I hope it continues...

:kick:

[Brucie Kibbutz]

4. Setting a good example.

Isn't it encouraging to see the new administration lead by showing some compassion and concern for the well being of others? This is in stark contrast to the outgoing administration that ran the country based on greed, fear, mistrust, and hate.

[Bear down under]

5. What a lovely gesture

And as someone said above, how different from Mr Obama's predecessor.

[CraftyGal]

6. Good on Obama and the adminstration that he has.

:applause: