MONETA -
Smith Mountain Lake resident Dave Moran may not be a household name yet, but
he's well on his way to getting there.
After he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, his friends and family
decided they wanted to help him make the top wish on his bucket list -- being
famous -- come true. WSLS shared their story when they launched the
campaign back in November -- and now, three months later, things are really
starting to pick up.
"It's really great -- really inspiring," said Moran.
"We've had all kinds of people want to help out and do things. I've
also heard from people I haven't heard from in years and they've called
me. That's been great too."
Since last fall, restaurants around Smith Mountain Lake have put his name on
their marquees and are hosting special events and fundraisers in which he's the
guest of honor.
He recently returned from a Celebrity Cruise line cruise where he got to make
a celebrity guest appearance on their televised announcements.
He has t-shirts, bracelets, a brand new website, and even bobbleheads to
help spread the word about his campaign.
And he's received personalized video endorsements from people who know a
thing or two about being famous, including comedian Larry the Cable Guy.
"The reason I feel more famous is I find that people are sucking up to
me a little bit," laughed Moran. "I think that's a good
indicator. When you start getting the VIP treatment and people start
sucking up, you're on the way to being famous."
Following his cancer diagnosis, Moran vowed to look at the world through
rose colored glasses -- not only when it came to enjoying life but lending a
helping hand as well.
He, his family, and friends have started a Relay for Life team that will participate
in the Vinton relay at William Byrd High School later this year. He's
also working with the organization on some promotional things to help raise
awareness and money for cancer research.
"I want to use my fame to do good things," said Moran.
"A question I ask myself, and always have [asked myself], is will any good
come from this? And I can see a lot of good coming from this."
If you'd like to help Moran along the path to stardom, you're encouraged to
"Like" his facebook page "Famousdave- Life's too short NOT to be
famous" or visit his website, www.famousdavemoran.com.
