ALS Cannot Steal My Passion For Music | Phantom of the Opera

January 2023
Karen and Darin Bowman
ALS may have taken my ability to play the piano and direct a handbell choir, but it can never steal my passion for music. I’ve always been a sucker for Broadway musicals, and the Phantom of the Opera is one of my all-time favorites. I was first introduced to the Andrew Lloyd Webber phenomenon in college, when the chorale for which I was the pianist performed a medley of Phantom tunes. I’ve loved it ever since.
Thank you to Team Gleason – and to the organization’s generous donors – for sending my husband, Darin, and me to New York City to see the Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre. It was so special to say goodbye in person to this show as it gets ready to close after a 35-year run on Broadway. The week that we were there, Phantom welcomed its 20 millionth audience member. So exciting to be a part of that historical milestone!
During our trip, we stayed in the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, right in Times Square.

We met up with a college friend who lives just a couple blocks away from the hotel and had a wonderful visit.

He introduced us to Junior’s Restaurant, which is famous for its cheesecake.

We definitely sampled the cheesecake (several flavors!), but I still find myself craving the restaurant’s loaded potato pancakes we ate for breakfast two days in a row!

In addition to exploring the neighborhood, we took in a show at the Gotham City Comedy Club and saw “Wicked” at the Gershwin Theatre. Loved it! 

We were honored to be among those selected for a Team Gleason Adventure.

Not only did we make memories for a lifetime, but we also had a chance to slow down, take a break from the day-to-day grind of work and parenting responsibilities, and just spend time together. It was wonderful.

Thanks again for all this organization does for people with ALS and their families. No White Flags!

Newsletter Signup

Learn About ALS

Press

Careers

Stories

Gleason Movie

Financials

Contact Us

Newsletter Signup

Latest News

GiveNOLA Day

10 OUT OF 10! THANK YOU for showing up and giving generously during GiveNOLA Day. We were trailing up until hours before midnight and our donors showed up to push across the finish line! Our success was made possible because of your support! GiveNOLA Day is one of our...

Team Gleason License Plates

​​Louisiana - Show off your support for Team Gleason on your car!  Your purchase of this plate will go toward the mission and services of the Team Gleason Foundation. Team Gleason is offering a limited number of license plate numbers for auction! Bidding closes April...

Events

Crescent City Classic

Saturday, April 8, 2023 Support Team Gleason’s 2023 Crescent City Classic Team!   IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL 10K Run/Walk Support Team Gleason's 2023 Crescent City Classic Team! Each year, runners/walkers/joggers/rollers like you have signed up to help raise needed funds...

Fin Feather Fur Food Festival – F5

Thursday, April 27, 2023 4 PM - 8:30 PM Lafayette, LA Blackham Coliseum   Live Auction - 6 pm The 2nd Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival benefitting Team Gleason Foundation is a cooking competition where teams compete for Winner Status in the Fin, Feather, and Fur...

Game Changer Golf Classic

Save the Date May 22 & 23, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas   Dinner, music, and golf in the fight against ALS. Dinner & Concert - May 22, 2023 - Fort Worth Zoo Golf Classic - May 23, 2023 - Ridglea Country Club Team Gleason and Answer ALS's Game Changer Golf...

Click here to view our events.

© Team Gleason. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Non-Discrimination Policy