The Doctor Dances in Nashville So That Others Might See Again - The EyeBall 2009

Dr. Ming Wang and his wife JJ
Saturday night I attended EyeBall 2009, an event in Nashville to benefit the Wang Foundation. Over the years, I’ve attended and chaired several galas across the country. I will never forget this one! The Foundation was founded by Dr. Ming Wang – ophthalmologist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, musician, inventor, molecular biologist, physicist, ballroom dancer and humanitarian.
Dr. Wang was forced to drop out of school as a child to avoid deportation during the Cultural Revolution in China only to return and finish three years of studies in a few months. Perseverance brought him to the United States, an MD from Harvard and a PhD in physics. His first job out of medical school brought him to Nashville.
Dr. Wang is the "go to for Lasik surgery" and there you will always find physicians and country music stars such as Dolly Parton and Kenny Chesney in his waiting room. But it’s the lesser known souls on this earth who find their way to that same place because of Dr. Wang’s compassion and his Foundation.
Dr. Wang is often the last resort for those who live in a world of darkness. When traditional treatments aren’t successful, patients somehow find their way to the Wang Vision Institute just a stone’s throw from Music Row. For those whose station in life doesn’t afford them healthcare and the latest medical technology, there’s the Wang Foundation.
I met a mother who Mayo Clinic and Shriner’s Hospital told there was not a lot that could be done for her child who was going blind. I met her daughter, Anna, who now looks in the mirror and wants to play with her mom’s makeup! Hearing the mother’s story brought the room to tears.
Brad is a blue collar worker who lost his sight in an industrial accident when molten aluminum burned his body and his eyes. He was blinded, later married and dedicated his life to helping others. Somehow he found his way to Nashville and after several surgeries and with a bible in hand and his wife by his side, he waited as Dr. Wang removed the bandages before television cameras. His particular surgery was a first in the world.
And there was a little girl whose step mother poured acid in the child’s eyes and left her as a blind orphan on the street. She was half way around the world, but she found her way to Nashville and at a previous EyeBall, Kajal danced with Dr. Wang and sang Jesus Loves Me as a thank you to those who she had never met, but who helped her to see again. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The Wang Foundation consists of over twenty physicians who like Dr. Wang; donate their services for vision restoration. Many medical companies donate product and equipment. People from around the world contribute – some a few dollars, some thousands. It is a wonderful cause and the Foundation helps people all over the world. Please visit Dr. Wang’s site and watch some remarkable videos. You’ll be so glad you did. You never know when you or someone you love may need such a special hero in your life. http://wangvisioninstitute.com/videoindex.html

Dr. Wang bandages Kajal's eyes. Dr. Wang dances with Kajal.

Anna, her parents from Huntsville Alabama and Dr. Ming Wang

At the Eyeball 2009 we were treated to spectacular dance and music by the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville; a beautiful waltz by Dr. Wang and his wife, J.J., and a show by champion ballroom dancers who support the Foundation. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, visual presentations and then some dance lessons with the masters. Oh what a night! What a sight to behold!

ROASTED PEAR SALAD
2 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch of good salt
2 fresh pears, halved, cores scooped out
1 cup red grapes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, slivered
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup broth
1 cup wine, white or red
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons cold butter
Salad greens
Chopped green onion
Vinaigrette
Toasted Goat Cheese
Toasted walnuts
Preheat oven to 300F. Drizzle oil in a baking dish, sprinkle with salt. Place pears face-down, rubbing into oil and salt. Add grapes. Roast 60 minutes. Slice into pears, leaving intact at stem end.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat oil on medium high until glossy. Add garlic; cook until golden. Stir in tomato paste, then broth and wine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook unti reduced by half. Add honey, return to a simmer. Add butter and mix well as it melts. With a slotted spoon, dip pears into sauce.
Toss salad greens and green onion with vinaigrette. Fan pears atop greens, drizzle with additional sauce, sprinkle with walnuts and grapes.

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