Where the Stars Come to Play...

Dear Friends,

The last several weeks have been the most difficult of my life.  As many of you who ever met my dad know, he was someone who took an interest in everyone that he came in contact with and, if he knew you much at all, had an endearing wisecrack that would be sure to make you laugh.

For me, he was my safety net.  He was always there for me no matter what turn the world might take.  He was a friend to Jerry and a doting grandpa to our kids.

For my mother, he was much more than that.  He was her eyes, her confidante, her dance partner, her life partner.  In short, he was her everything.

For my brothers, he was the ultimate role model: the guy they continue to try to emulate.

And his impact spread far beyond our family.  Over 2,000 people lined up in 20 degree weather and stood for over 3 hours to pay their last respects.  From the pizza delivery guy to the bank teller to millionaire business people to congressmen, he was a friend to everyone and had a special place in each one’s life.  The stories we heard about my dad, from childhood friends to recent acquaintances were funny and touching.  Most of all, they make us proud.

We will miss my dad every day.  Whether it is hearing him tell the kids one of his silly stories or watching him roll his eyes as he goes to the market for the fourth time that afternoon or having a beer with him at the end of the day.  Mainly, we will miss just knowing he is there, in good times and bad, to be the “go to” guy in so many situations.

But we all have to keep going, and we will.  I know that is exactly what my dad would have wanted us to do.

My mother is a tower of strength.  The extended family, and it is a large one, has pledged its support to her.

For our family, we move forward knowing we are all better for having known my dad and will try to hear his voice, gravelly as it was, in all that we do. Moreover, we look to the future knowing that we have a reservoir of friends that is overwhelming in its interest, support and love.  The outpouring of sentiment that we received, be it by email, regular mail, phone calls, text, flowers and visits, has been beyond anything that we could have ever imagined.  And that alone inspires us to go on and do great things that will honor my dad, all of those who were there for him and all of you who have sent your heartfelt condolences.  Sometimes it takes losses to enable you to see how much good there is in the world.  This was certainly one of those times and the goodness came pouring out.

So, I am preparing to leave for Vancouver to work for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider at the Olympics as I did in Torino in 2006.  Jerry is getting ready for his annual “Showdown” at Madison Square Garden.  Clay is practicing for the upcoming golf season.  Matthew is rehearsing for a trip to Washington, DC with his singing group.  Brian will start tee ball in April and Nicole will turn two in May.

We will do it all with the knowledge that my dad would want us to go forward with strength and a smile, that he is with us every step of the way, that our family is stronger for having had him in our life and that we have so many good friends who care and who are there for us when the chips are down.

So, on behalf of Jerry, my mother and our entire family, it has been a sad moment for us all.  And it isn’t over yet, particularly with the ruling this week about the cause of my dad’s death; a ruling by the way which we think was unjustified and which we plan to help my brother fight.  Our deepest thanks go out to all of you for helping us get through this and to showing your love, friendship and support.  We will never, ever forget it.

All the best,

Nancy Kerrigan

Grammy nominated rockers The Goo Goo Dolls join Olympic, World & National Champion Skaters for a night of impromptu performance.

The Show: Hosted by Olympic Champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi, “Improv-Ice” will require each skater to perform to one contemporary piece of music chosen in advance by Lea Ann Miller, Artistic Director of Disson Skating, and one of The Goo Goo Dolls greatest hits, performed live by the band. To close the show, there will be a group number with The Goo Goo Dolls featuring music from their new album. The skaters will not get to hear any of the music before performing. The live audience and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for the skater they feel performed the most creative routine. Results will be announced on the television special, aired on NBC Christmas day at 3pm EST.

The Cast: Includes two-time Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan, 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2006 Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen, four-time World Champion and four-time Canadian National Champion, Kurt Browning, 2008 World Champion Jeffrey Buttle, three-time U.S. National Champion, two-time World Bronze Medalist and two-time U.S. Olympic team member, Michael Weiss, 2009 World Silver Medalist, five-time Canadian champion Joannie Rochette, and ten-time Canadian National Ice Dancing Champion, Shae-Lynn Bourne.

(NECN) - Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is among the New England sports legends being honored at the Sports Museum's signature fundraiser, The Tradition.

Each year, The Sports Museum honors a new set of legends from Boston sports.

In the video on your left she joins NECN to talk about the honor and about overcoming obstacles to succeed in life.

For the official press release with all the details on the event click here...