May 15, 2003

Stallings ’57 and Dave South Host Benefit Luncheon for Children of Melinda ’89 and Sam ’89 Watson

The Luke & Rachel Batten Foundation was formed in honor of two Aggie children, Luke and Rachel Watson, ages 9 and 8. They, along with thousands of other children around the world, are afflicted with a fatal degenerative neurological disease called Batten Disease.

The Luke and Rachel Batten Foundation is raising money to find a treatment for this terrible illness. Coach Gene Stallings ’57 has generously agreed to speak at a luncheon on behalf of the Foundation at Reed Arena in College Station on June 25th. Dave South, the voice of Aggie football, will MC the event and KBTX will be there providing television coverage.

Tickets for the event start at $75, or $125 per couple. Special seats at Coach Stallings’ table are priced at $1000.

An intimate “VIP Reception” featuring Coach Stallings will be held prior to the luncheon. Tickets for the reception and luncheon can be purchased for $250 each.

If you are interested in attending, please call 1-800-900-1135 to purchase your tickets.

Sam and Melinda Watson, both Class of 1989, met as Bonfire Buddies and have been together ever since. Two years after they were married, their first little Aggie, Luke, joined the family. Less than two years, he was joined by little sister, Rachel.

Signs of trouble appeared for the first time when Luke started kindergarten. At first, the trouble was attributed to poor eyesight. As symptoms worsened, Luke was diagnosed with Batten Disease in February of 1999. Doctors told Sam and Melinda that Luke would go blind, have seizures, and lose his ability to learn, talk, walk, eat, and eventually become bedridden and die. Four months later Rachel was diagnosed with the same illness.

In a letter, Sam and Melinda write: “Luke loves Aggie sports and with the help of Coach Slocum we were able to secure first row, first deck tickets to the 1999 t.u. game. It was the last game Luke "saw.” He still attends all home games and Mom, Dad, andGrandad '42 fill him in on the action. Entire Aggie games are played in my living room complete with half time. Recently it seems the Aggies are always losing in the 4th quarter, but they usually manage to pull out a win in the end. I'm hoping it will be the same for my precious children.”

Call 1-800-900-1135 to purchase your tickets or to find out more about the Luke & Rachel Batten Foundation.