Hollywood is known for supporting causes, but few in Tinseltown have been at it with the tenacity and dedication as Nancy Davis, with her Race to Erase MS Gala which just had its 30th event at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
Nancy, daughter of the late scion Marvin Davis and the classiest lady in Hollywood Barbara Davis, has been indefatigable in her quest (she was diagnosed with MS in 1992) to better the treatment and to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Nancy’s own daughter, Isabella, introduced her and Nancy told the packed crowd that, “Together, we have done what many thought was impossible. There are now 25 drugs on the market to help stop the progression of MS. 31 years ago, when I was diagnosed with MS, the doctors said go home, and told me that I would never walk again or be able to take care of my children. At that moment all I had was hope. Instead of singing a song of defeat, I became inspired by a song my parents played constantly in our home, “The Impossible Dream”. That became my quest; , to beat the unbeatable foe, to reach the unreachable star no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. “
Nancy then paid tribute to two people who passed who meant much to her; her son, Jason, and the actress, Anne Heche, one of Nancy’s closest friends and supporters of the cause. Anne’s former partner, James Tupper, came with their 14-year-old son Atlas, the first time they were on a red carpet together. Atlas is the spitting image of his mom who died tragically almost a year ago. Tupper told me that “Atlas is a great kid. He’s doing well in school and really is into tennis. He plays every day for two hours.” When the discussion turned to Anne he said, “we miss Anne every day. We look out for each other. We love Anne.”
James and Atlas and the VIP crowd were entertained first by singer/songwriter Siedah Garrett, who herself was diagnosed with MS years ago. She included in her set the glorious song she wrote, “Man In The Mirror” which was a mega hit for Michael Jackson. Nancy then brought up the researchers and doctors who have helped her along with her other daughter, Mariella, and husband Kenneth Rickel. Diana Ross’s son, Evan, introduced the musical guest, the wildly energetic Flo Rida. Other guests included Kathy Hilton, Ed Begley Jr, Joely Fisher, Lawrence Zarian, Denise Richards, Rob and Crystal Minkoff, AnnaLynne McCord, Dave Winfield, David Faustino, Katie Cassidy, Marg Helgenberger, Elisabeth Rohm, Cristina Ferrare, Denise Richards, Peter Facinelli and many more. The event raised over 2 million to benefit Race to Erase MS and its Center Without Walls program. Nancy said that “We’ve replaced hopelessness with hopefulness.” Bravo to her and all those that have been on this worthy 30-year journey.
