Read Danny’s speech from this past weekends Susan G. Komen for the Cure event:
I am honored to be here today speaking in front of so many inspiring women. I have met so many women over the past couple years that have courage, pride and hope embedded in them. My mother, Betty Wood, had those qualities embedded in her. As I stand here today, I am truly honored to be called her son. Even in her passing, 10 years ago, September 20th, 1999…. I am so blessed to keep her memory alive. I am also blessed that she now has become an inspirational symbol to so many. It really shows the power one person can have — not only in life but also in death. I always believed she was more than just my mother, something more spiritual.
Through life, we all accomplish things. There are important things we accomplish, that we carry with us and we won’t let anyone take them away from us, nor diminish them. Our major accomplishments become a part of us. Well, my mother made all the small achievements feel larger than life. For me, it could have been winning a race in track, getting honor roll, or even one of our 1st New Kids shows where we got booed. She would look me in the eye and say, “I am so proud of you,” and then she would kiss me. They were kisses of pride, of love, and of belief. Just like my two daughters, Chance and Vega kiss me everyday.
When I close my eyes and pray, I can’t fight the feeling that is still deep inside me. I still long to hear my mother say “I love you,” “I am proud of you.” I am so lucky to say that when she passed, nothing was left unsaid. But through the years, I have prayed for one last chance to hear her words again. My sons (Anthony and Daniel) and daughters (Chance and Vega) answer those prayers every day, and through the New Kids reunion, I have heard her words again through so many people. I have met so many women who are now surviving the disease that took my mother’s life. But I do know now, as hard as it is to say, she was taken for a reason — to inspire many and to give new hope.
Today, she would have told me she is proud of me. She would have told my family she is proud. She would have told my dad she is proud. Betty Wood is now a symbol of hope, inspiration, strength and courage. For me, she is also the light that shines at the end of the tunnel where the cure for breast cancer waits for all of us. Thank you.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I hope that in 10 years I will be able to see my mother’s passing in the same light. This speech makes me want to work harder to honor her and to make her proud of me. Thank you Danny.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:31 am
The speech soo beautiful Danny! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Danny,
That is so beautiful! Your Mom does love you and is proud of you! She watches over you from heaven! I love you Danny! Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
Love Always,
Jenny
September 29th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Thanks you so much for sharing it here for those of us who can’t be there. Your words are truely inspirational, your Mum is such an inspiration to us all. We all are affected by the disease in some way, and through you and the New Kids reunion we are all able to be stronger for each other and our loved ones. The biggest changes in my life since this all started have been due to my decision to raise money for cancer causes by doing charity running events, I am a better person for it in so many ways. Thank You.
Love you always Danny
x x x x x
September 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
God Bless You..
September 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
You’re speech is very touching and inspiring. As a cancer survivor myself, I applaud you and your family (as well as NKOTB) helping with a cause to find a cure. I really appreciate you guys. God bless you.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Danny that speech was very touching and I am so glad you shared it with all of us. We love you so much and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life! I lost my mom 25 yrs ago to Leukemia when I was just 13 yrs old and I think of her everyday and will always. I know one day we will all be together!! Thanks for lifting up my spirits!!!
Connie
xoxo
September 29th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Gulp. What beautiful words. And you carry on her legacy by being the kind of person which displays her qualities of hope, inspiration, strength & courage. Xxx
September 29th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Danny,
What you have shared is so moving to my soul. You have such a good heart and loving your children like you do makes you an even more wonderful father. I heard you sing at the Expo on Friday and you sounded too good to be true. I wish you the best of luck. You are such an inspiration because you share your mother’s legacy through your music. I also truly think, she speaks words of courage and hope to all of us through you.
Annette
September 29th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Up until 10 years I was fortunate enough to say that no form of cancer touched my family but 1 year ago I lost my grandpa who was the one man in my life who loved me in a way I can’t describe to prostate cancer. Cancer in any form is unacceptable and I pray everyday that we find a cure soon. I know your mother is so very proud of her son for all he does and all he inspires in her name.
God Bless You.
XOXOXO
September 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Danny, your speech is beautiful! Got me in tears, and I don’t usually cry over too many things. You’ve made me appreciate my mother much more. Thank you for all that your family has done.
Ava, 32
San Francisco, CA
September 29th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
hi danny,readin your speech really made me think of my mother in law she died 3 years ago of that mean cancer she ment the world to me she was there wen i need her she gave me advice wen i need it she loved me like i was her daughter and not like her daughter in law.i know you may not want to here this but i still see my mother in law around my house it is very scary but cool too, i have had a few conversion with my mother in law i know its wired but its true i often cry wen i talk to her as i miss her so much but we have to get on with our own life. any your speech was very heart feltin any good luck to you all bigg kiss to xxxxx love you
from kim from the uk(leicester)xxxxxxxx
September 29th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Hey Danny…
Thank you for your commitment to something that so many woman are affected by and yet there are so many woman that take their health for granted…
Keep inspiring us with your daily work out tweets…
it reminds me to get of my ass..
which i should do right now…
love u
September 29th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Thank you so much Danny for sharing your post i pride of you and make me cry your words but are words from Love and from the heart
you mom is in the heavenly place
with our heavenly father we care every day
PEACE & LOVE Danny
September 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
,Hello Danny,
Thank you for sharing!
I miss The Block tremendously,
but I know there is much work for you all to do!
Take care,
BellaMorenita
September 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Danny,
Those were some of the most beautiful heartfet words I have ever heard. Your mother was and still is a VERY VERY lucky woman to have you as a son. You are a wonderful person. I know that your pain is probably going to stay with you forever, but I also know that your mom will also be there in spirit to tell you that all will be OK. Your mom was a great woman and she has a WONDERFUL son!
My prayers are with you!
Giulia
AKA Hot Wheels
ggmotta6281975@gmail.com
PS Say Hi to the guys!
September 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thank you Danny for sharing this speech with us, and sharing your memories of your Mother. I lost my father to cancer only three months ago. I know the pain, and I commend you for being so brave as to be so open about something so incredibly difficult. You are surely as brave as your mother Betty was in her fight, and Im sure she is proud of you. Not only for your success back on the BLOCK….but for the success in turning your tragic loss into hope for others.
Love
Lisa
September 29th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I wish I could have been there to hear you give the speech, it was very moving. Cancer sucks and has taken so many lives that Im glad to be along for the change. My dad also passed away of cancer which is why I am now working for a cancer clinic. I want to see us find a way to beat it all!
XOXO
Martina
September 29th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
thank s Danny for sharing
and God bless you
September 29th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Your speech brought me to tears- it was good reminder for me to always make sure I appreciate and acknowledge the “little” things that my sons do, make them feel special. I do try my best but sometimes I feel like I can do better. Thank you for sharing that inspiring speech and I’m sure your mother would have given anything to see you shine right now as well!
In my prayers,
Mary
September 29th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Danny!
Thanks for sharing with us! Beatiful words…
I love your blogs and tweets…
God bless you.
Love,
Fernanda from Brazil.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
that was a wonderful speech
September 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Beautifully written Danny… She WOULD be so proud… She IS so proud… & even though you may not physically see her, I believe she is with you all everyday…
Even though I never got the pleasure of meeting her, I am proud to be able to say that she is 1 of the people I am going to be walking for with Team Betty/Team NKOTB on the 17th in VA Beach…
I want to say that I am sorry that your family had such a harsh loss 10 years ago, & I also want to say that I think it is amazing, wonderful & generous of you & your family to help inspire others to give and help with the fight to find a cure… You are the best!
Love ya ALWAYS!
Heather S.
P-town, VA
September 30th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Danny
I’m sure Betty would be prouder than she’d ever been before to see how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved. Your crusading against this disease is really admirable! Keep up the good work. Love u lots,
Xoxo
Nicola, UK
September 30th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Dear Danny,
It was a beautiful speech, but I so wish you shouldn’t have to have it, I wish your Mother still was here for you, for her whole family… But you are probably right, she might was taken for a reason, and I am sure she would be prouder than ever to have such a great son! All her children must be special, given, she was an amazing women, but You Danny are a blessing to this world! I hope you always stay the same : )
Love from Hungary,
Rita
September 30th, 2009 at 5:59 am
The speech is amazing, I can really feel where you coming from.
You are one of the sincerest men I know, thank you!!
Keep it up!!
Dannytown has got your back
Love Natasja
September 30th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Nice speech Danny ! Make me thinking about my mother who passed away from a cancer the day of Jordan birthday, May, the 17th, 1995. Don’t have enough time to tell her I was loving her… Sad.
September 30th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Your speech is amazing! I know your mother will be in your heart like always! It was nice meeting you at the Vegas show back in July.
XOXO,
Noni
September 30th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Wow!!!
Danny, your speech is so beautiful. You’re making me cry right now.
Your mother still lives in your heart and on your memories always and forever.
She will always watch, protect, give you and your children all of her blessings wherever you and your children are.:)
Your mother will forever be proud of you achievements.:D
Be Cool, Stay Cool, and don’t you change.
XO
Peace, Love & and God Bless.:D
SweetButtercup08
September 30th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Danny what you do for all those women out there who are fighting everyday and every minute of their life is truly a blessing. You are giving all women who are fighting and who are surving this disease hope. Even though I never met your mom, it isn’t hard to say that she is proud of you and is watching over you everyday. I lost my “second”mom to lymphatic lukemia 5 1/2 yrs ago, so I understand your pain, but your willingness to move forward and spread the word for a cure. Hopefully, in our children’s lifetime cancer will be like a common cold and no one has to suffer. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. We are all very PROUD of you. God Bless you and your family.
Much Love and Respect,
Laura
September 30th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Thankyou for sharing this here.
Danny you are doing a beautiful & important thing!
As a fan, I am proud that someone who’s talent I admire is also drawing on their life experience and using their voice to do something so worthwhile! Bless you & yours, and all those who have been/are still being impacted by this disease.
All the best always,
Brandy
September 30th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
That was beautiful. I am tearing up and I’m sure she is looking down on you from heaven smiling and beaming with pride.
I hate cancer and lost my Dad to it almost two years ago. It is getting easier and his spirit lives on and in me as well. I am sure you feel the same way.
Love and all the best,
Janice
September 30th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I too would love to have the opportunity to hear my mom once more say how much she loved me. I have so much respect for you and what you have been through. I am new to this, as I have just lost my mom four months ago today. It seems like I can hear my mom talking to me, but at the same time I can’t. It is funny how you don’t realize how much you have until it is gone and you can’t get it back. You say you were blessed to have your mom, but Danny she was blessed to have you for a son.
Lori
October 1st, 2009 at 12:20 am
Danny,
You are a beautiful man! Keep doing what you do!
Love you forever,
Angelita
October 1st, 2009 at 3:03 am
You should be proud! We love you! Thanks for inspiring us into action! Love,
October 1st, 2009 at 8:15 am
That was a beautiful speech, I was in tears reading it. Your Mother is looking down on you and is definately PROUD!! xoxo Can’t wait to see you guys again!! Love Carolyn
October 1st, 2009 at 9:28 am
Danny:
Beautifully said! Your words are so very touching. No one can take the place of your Mom but you are very much loved by your extended family (million sisters) and we are so very proud of you and the hard work you do to make a difference. God Bless You! Lots of love to you and your family.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Dnny,
Thanks for sharing with us.it’s not always easy to speak about our family.
God blessed you
lucie
belgium
October 1st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Hello Danny! I just read your speech, it was so touching! Very awesome! I know your Mom is proud of you. I am so very proud of you too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only wish I could’ve been then to see you give your speech in person! Thanks for keeping in touch with us1 I hope it isn’t too long till you guys start touring again. I mean, I understand you all need a break but please don’t wait to long. WE all miss you! I love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With Love Always,
Amy King
October 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Hey Danny I think it’s great you share your mom with the world and her story, I know it’s hard cause i’m going through it now with my mom, she has lung cancer tho. cancer is cancer and we need to find a cure. I know your mom is proud of you and I’m sure she says she loves you in her own way. Keep doing what you are doing cause one day we will beat this awful disease. thanks for being strong and giving us hope!
October 1st, 2009 at 8:08 pm
OMG Thank u sooooo much for that Danny. That is the sweetest thing I have ever read. I would have loved to have been there to hear the speech in person. I was starting to cry just reading it. My father passed away last year from lung cancer. So the pain is still very raw. Even though it was a different type of cancer all cancers are bad. I do believe ur mother is an inspiration to so many women out there. My her memory live on in u and ur brothers and sisters and ur children, nieces and nephews.
Much love from Australia
Kim
xoxo
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:33 am
Read this speech the morning you posted it. I balled my eyes out! My Mother is a 12 year survivor! I called and read it to her and she cried too! Danny, words cannot express how awesome of a person you are! You are doing many things for this cause that people like me never had the courage to do. Your giving me that courage! Thank you! Much Love!
Andrea Federal Way, Washington
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 am
Thanks for sharing that speech, I can tell your mother was such a special person to you as my mother is to me. It’s nice to see someone I look up to doing something with their celebrity for such a great cause.
Love, Mady
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Such a great cause, Danny, I am so glad you are getting the word out, your mom is smiling down at you from Heaven. One of the news anchors on the news station I watch is also supports the Komen foundation in Northwest, Ohio–the race for that was last Sunday, September 27, 2009. One day a cure will be found.
October 4th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Your speech was very nice but thanx for sharing, Danny.
~Sasha~
October 5th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Danny, I hope you realize that you continue to make your mom proud with your involvement in the search for the cure for breast cancer. I genuinely believe she knows what you are doing on her behalf and for your girls. (I didnt know your mom, but as a mom, it would make me proud to see my own son fighting so hard for a cure.)
Thank you for sharing your speech with us. Take care!
October 5th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Wow Danny, powerful speech. I’m sure too that if she was here today, your mum would be proud of you too. Speaking for myself, I really am proud of you.
Love from Barbados.
October 5th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
What an amazing speech and how amazing to have someone like your mother touch so many lives. I lost my grandmother who was my best friend from a rare type of cancer and your mother sounds like my grandmother. Just know that you really are making her proud of everything that you do, have done, and continue to do. Much support from me and I have to say, you guys need come back to Tulsa soon, an amazing show!!! Keep up the inspiration for you daughters and sons!!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Leah
October 6th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Well, Danny, what do you say after you’ve said it all? That speech was lovely, & I don’t think you could honor your mother any more than you do already. YOU, Mr. Wood, are an inspiration to so many and I can hear Betty whisper on the wind “I’m so proud of you son!”. I personally do not know anyone who has or is struggling with breast cancer, but I do, however, deal with the sorrow at the loss of loved ones.
I AM PROUD OF YOU! Thank you for reminding me to tell my family on a regular basis how much I love & cherish them & how proud I am of my own son! Us mother’s are strong, but we are only as strong as our family. I think your mom knew that precious gem because the result of her love for you is seen in the strength you impart to your family and all your loyal fans. I love you & keep up the good work, Danny! ~FloMac1 aka Floreisha (Blockhead 4ever)
October 8th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Danny - beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m sure your mother is looking at you from up above and smiling, thinking of how proud she is of your work to fight cancer. I know you miss her and think of her everyday. She brought up a wonderful man. And I know what you mean by believing she was more than just your mother - something more spiritual. It’s s amazing feeling (and comforting) knowing someone is there always. Thank you again!!!
October 10th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Dera Danny,
Inspirational. My friend has just had to have a lump removed & she is a very positive woman. But this is hard for her although she has help as both her mother & Sister have been through it & survived. due to the high risk she is so lucky to be put on a program that has her checked regularly & caught it in time (Please GOD)for her to also get through it successfully. These things are only possible when you get people like your Mum who’s memory can live on & make awareness & charities to carry on getting the backing to help women as soon as possible.
Keep the faith!
Love Erica XXXXX
October 11th, 2009 at 9:22 am
You are a good guy Danny.God bless you. K&K POLAND
October 12th, 2009 at 8:47 am
WOW…..Great speech! Thanks for sharing and remember that we will always love you and we are always proud of you! God Bless you!
Amber
October 15th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I love you Danny. Like ya’ll say way back when: “…through the laughter and pain, the sunshine and rain… baby just keep on smilin… AND MAKE LOVE TO ME..” Your mom would be proud. You have always been an inspiration to us through your music but this is a whole different inspiration that touches all women in ways you can only imagine. You are one hell of a man and I’m as proud as your mom is, always was, and always will be.
We took a picture together while Chance looked out the window during the Emergency Drill. I’m Nicole.. Unfortunately the pics did not come out b.c the sun was behind us but ima find you again on this next cruise and I just might kiss ya during that pic if ya let me!
Keep up the good work in your music and in your heart! XOXOX ~Nicole
Harpers Ferry, W.V.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 am
You got me crying bad Danny, that was such a beautiful speech…
December 8th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Dear Danny, your mom would be very proud that you are keeping not only her spirit alive, but this important cause. Luv you.
xoxo