The American Cancer Society and the Starlight Gala would like to recognize Michelle Bohreer as this year’s Shining Star recipient and Jessica Willey as the Honorary Chairperson. Shining Star E. Michelle Bohreer, has taken the fight for which she is known in the courtroom and applied the same intensity to the fight against cancer through her work with the American Cancer Society. Through Michelle’s involvement with the Rotary Lombardi Award, Michelle’s efforts focus on the Front Line, or more apropos, the “Front Line Kids.” In addition to regular visits, each December for the past seven years, Michelle has taken the four finalists for the Rotary Lombardi Award, an award which recognizes the outstanding college lineman of the year, to Texas Children’s Hospital and to MD Anderson to spend some precious time with children fighting the ultimate battle: the battle with cancer. As Michelle will tell you, the true “shining stars” are the children, who always greet you with a smile even while undergoing excruciating chemotherapy, who ceaselessly fight a seemingly unseen battle, enduring pain that most of us can never fully appreciate. In part because of the proceeds generated from the Rotary Lombardi Award Dinner, the American Cancer Society has received significant monies and the survival rate for juvenile cancer has increased dramatically. While Michelle has lost loved ones to cancer, and her sister, Tammy, is currently fighting liver cancer, Michelle chooses not to dwell upon the losses but instead focuses on the significant strides being made possible through the research and grants supported by the American Cancer Society. Thank God that because of the financial support and consequential successful advances in research, cancer is no longer a death sentence. Michelle’s commitment is to do whatever she can to bring a smile to the face of a “warrior,” and to help see the juvenile cancer survival rate increase until we have a cure for all cancer. Michelle is the Vice Chair of the Rotary Lombardi Award Committee for 2005 and will be the first woman chair of the Award Committee, hosting the 37th Annual Rotary Lombardi Award in 2006. Michelle is the proud mother to Luke and loving wife to Steve.       Honorary Chair ABC 13’s Jessica Willey knows being a part of her community is just as important as being an exceptional journalist. She donates hours of her time in service and holds the American Cancer Society close to her heart. For the last 3 years she has worked closely with the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5k Walk to raise money to promote breast cancer research and awareness. She has also been a part of the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Forum, and has profiled on the news some of Houston’s most-inspiring breast cancer survival stories. These men and woman have renewed her confidence in the strength of the human spirit. Jessica is in her 5th year as a general assignment reporter for Channel 13. During her time here, she has traveled the country and even spent time in Kuwait and Iraq covering the war for Houstonians. Prior to Houston, Jessica was at a station in Oklahoma City. Born in Wisconsin, but having lived in Texas for most her life, she considers herself a “naturalized Texan.” Jessica is a graduate of Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism. Starlight Gala 2005 Benefiting the American Cancer Society Design by Jesse Quintanilla