The "Not Having Fun Sucks" Tour

Brian, Jackson, Drew and Brittany 

Oh man, I don't even know where to start! If you are an avid reader of my blog, you already know about two of my best friends, Brian and Jackson, and the true meaning of friendship. I blogged about them last year when they were on the Ellen Show. Ellen ended by saying that if the boys could ever make it out to LA, she'd see them on her show. On today's show, she was a woman of her word! Have a look at this video from Monday's episode here.

I got the chance to join Brian and his family at the show's taping last week and I'd like to first say that the people affiliated with the Ellen Show are some of the kindest, most compassionate and wonderful people I have ever met. They treated Jackson and Brian like royalty. The kindness and warmth you get watching Ellen (she always says "be kind to one another") is essentially the mantra that everyone connected to the show lives by. So to Ed, Courtney, Jeannie, Ellen R., Bianca: you guys are incredible people, through and through. The show gave Brian the courage he needed (and the transportation!) to leave Salt Lake City for the first time since he was admitted to the hospital there nine months ago.

Now that you have seen the video, I wanted to take you behind the scenes to see some more photos of the show and the taping. Brian is famous for saying that "not having fun sucks," which is why so much of his life is focused on being positive, despite the challenges he faces every day. And what better person to share that optimism with than Ellen? Ellen was born and raised in New Orleans and is a big Tulane fan (did you know we're the only graduation speech she's ever given?) and her mom even worked here at Tulane for years. She really is our hometown hero.

Speaking of hometown heroes... Drew Brees. Drew is a hero to nearly every single resident of the city of New Orleans and when you hear about him doing things like he did for Brian and Jackson, you know exactly why. After the show was over, he and his wife invited us all to dinner! Talk about one of the coolest experiences ever. I know Brian and Jackson really loved getting a chance to get to know them and share their stories.

Basically, New Orleans + Jackson + Brian + Ellen + Drew + Tulane = the most positive, uplifting and wonderful story you'll hear all day.

You can see more photos below and donate to Brian's GoFundMe page here.

Before the show, we had to get Brian to hair and makeup. Hence me doing this. 

The whole crew getting ready to head to the show.

Team Tulane in the dressing room

The moment Drew Brees came out and surprised everyone. You'll note I could not possibly be smiling any bigger

Brian and his family, including his brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Caroline, both Tulane grads! 

When the show was over, Blake Shelton came to say hi to Brian

And so did Ellen! Swoon! 

And then, we GOT TO GO OUT TO DINNER WITH DREW. This man is probably the kindest and most genuine person I have come in contact with and will ever for the rest of my life. Period. 

The next morning. Brian is all smiles. What an experience!