NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Coty Sensabaugh told himself if he ever received a platform to keep his brother Jamaar's name alive he would use it.
The second-year Titans cornerback has done so with substance during his 10-week campaign to become The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year and added style on Wednesday with an evening of fine food and fashion.
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| Titans players and cheerleader hit the runway and stage to model stylish offerings from JAndHP and Muse Boutique during the fundraiser. Click here for a slideshow from the evening. |
With help of Titans teammates, cheerleaders and supporters, Sensabaugh hosted "Dine with the Titans for a Cure" at Maggiano's Little Italy. The fundraiser included a three-course dinner, live auction and silent auction.
The main draw, however, was a fashion show that featured players, cheerleaders and special guests Lily and Bryson, who are both cancer survivors and 13 years old, in "swagtastic" suits from JAndHP Clothing and elegant dresses from Muse Boutique.
"This means the world to me," Sensabaugh said. "I always told myself if I had the platform or the opportunity to keep his name alive and give back to the community I would do it."
Sensabaugh personally titled his campaign "A Fight for Jamaar" in honor of his brother, who passed away a week after he was diagnosed with leukemia at age 16 when Coty was 11. The campaign has been a way to celebrate Jamaar and an opportunity to help other families with young people who have beaten or are battling blood cancer.
Sensabaugh held multiple public events since launching his campaign April 4 and is continuing until 6 p.m. on June 13 (**click here for more information**). He's shared his story with others and encouraged families who are facing what his family faced more than a decade ago.
"I feel my brother's life, even though he only lived for 16 years, was a blessing," Sensabaugh said. "I just want everyone to come out and have everyone rejoice his life. I want everybody to be happy and know he's in a better place and he had a positive impact on this world."
"Voice of the Titans" Mike Keith and Titans director of cheerleading Stacie Kinder hosted the event. Kinder provided entertaining explanations as Sensabaugh, Jason McCourty, Robert Johnson, Alterraun Verner, Fernando Velasco and Collin Mooney strutted and cheerleaders Ashley A., Chocez, Heather, Heidi, Jessica, Mariel, Tandra and Tiffany graced the room.
Kenny Britt, Michael Griffin, new Titans Andy Levitre and Bernard Pollard and Titans defensive assistant Jonathan Gannon also attended to show their support for Sensabaugh's campaign and dine with attendees.
"My teammate support was huge. They came out and showed love. That made the night very special," Sensabaugh said. "They got to interact with some of their biggest fans. I know Jackson, one of the kids there, his favorite player was Kenny Britt, and when I first met him, he was like, 'Do you think I'll ever meet Kenny Britt?' I was like, 'Maybe one day,' so to see them meet was very special. I was happy my teammates got to come out."
Three unique prize packages were sold through a live auction, and other memorabilia was sold in a silent auction. The players helped boost the packages by pledging to add tickets, parking passes, a unique dining experience and even the jerseys off their backs and shoes off their feet.
"I thought they were going to give away their cars at one point with all the stuff they were giving away, but it was very interactive and fun," Sensabaugh said.
The evening became more inspirational when young people shared their stories of confronting blood cancer, including Megan Dunn, who received great news earlier this month when she was told her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that was diagnosed in October had gone into remission.
"It means a lot because I went through it and I just want to support whoever else is going through the same things," Dunn said.
Sensabaugh and his girlfriend Dominique Jordan set an aggressive goal and have three weeks left in the campaign. Sensabaugh said they are grateful for the interactions they've had with people so far and look forward to more.
Sensabaugh has one final public event scheduled (6-9 p.m. on May 30 at Jimmy Choo at The Mall at Green Hills), and has built a fan base that includes 2012 LLS Man of the Year Rick Olszewski, executive vice president of sales and marketing with LP Building Products.
Olszewski set a record by raising more than $115,000 in his campaign. Olszewski said he wants the record to fall to Sensabaugh because of the assistance Olszewski received from the Titans in his own campaign, what he's learned about Jamaar, and because of the help it will provide to patients.
"I'm having just as much fun being a guest and a supporter and donor as I was when I was a candidate," Olszewski said. "Winning it was a lot of fun, but it's really the cause that makes it so special."
