NEVER GIVE UP
by Victoria Colette Reynolds
Countless times since becoming an ardent Peter Pan fan at age 16, Allison Tarzwell has watched the video releases starring Cathy Rigby McCoy. More than a dozen times, she’s been in the audience during Rigby’s live performances as “the lost boy who would never grow up.” Now 21, she is still delighted by the drama. That’s because Tarzwell, a Special Olympics athlete in aquatics and basketball, shares a special bond with the award-winning actress and Olympic medalist in gymnastics.
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Allison Tarzell poses with her favorite winning actress and former Olympic medalist, Cathy Rigby McCoy at a theatrical production of Peter Pan.” |
“I fell in love with Cathy in the movie–I watched it over and over and I wore it out", Tarzwell says. "I told my mom, ‘I have to meet Cathy Rigby before I die!’ And I always believed I would."
Thanks to the intervention of a family friend–then Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty–a personal meeting was arranged when Rigby was keynote speaker for the 2002 graduating class of Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, USA (45 minutes from the Tarzwell’s home in Wakefield).
“It was love at first sight because Cathy was so warm and welcoming”, says Gayle Tarzwell, Allison’s mother. “She immediately embraced Allison and listened intently as she professed her love for Cathy’s performance as Peter Pan.”
Rigby says she felt an instant connection to Allison because “she’s like sunshine. She’s an amazing young lady,” Rigby says. “You meet her and she has so much energy and she gives so much unconditional love.”
During their visit, they chatted like fond friends, sang a duo of “I Won’t Grow Up,” and posed for photos. In her commencement speech, when Rigby spoke of the courage and cooperative spirit of Special Olympics athletes, Tarzwell felt she was speaking directly to her.
“Special Olympians embody qualities that I hold so important and dear. I love their joy, their passion, their commitment–and I think they are the blessed ones,” Rigby says even now. “To them, it’s not about winning medals. They do try for perfection, but it’s more about participation, teamwork, helping each other and cheering for each other. They have the true spirit of life, and they’re an amazing example for the rest of us.”
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During one particularly memorable heart-to-heart in Rigby’s dressing room, Rigby encouraged Tarzwell to discover what makes her happy, and to follow her dreams. “I always take advice from Cathy and her songs inspire me,” Tarzwell says. “So my real dream is to lose 50 pounds and be in show business . . . I'm going to be Peter Pan!” |
Since that first meeting in May 2002, Tarzwell and her mother have traveled to various cities to see Rigby perform in Peter Pan and Seussical the Musical. During those visits, their friendship has blossomed. “Cathy has always given such personal attention to Allison and she’s been so generous with her time,” says Gayle Tarzwell.
In addition to inviting Allison Tarzwell to dinners with the cast, Rigby has introduced her to her husband, Tom McCoy, their daughters, their dogs. Tarzwell has enjoyed backstage tours. She’s tried on Rigby’s show costumes, and sat by Rigby’s side during audience meet-and-greets, where she’s dispensed fairy dust to fans and helped collect donations for children’s hospitals. “I’ve just tried to give Allison different experiences,” Rigby explains.
Tarzwell says her most thrilling experience was flying with Rigby onstage, during performances. For the big event, planned months in advance, Tarzwell wore a Peter Pan costume made by her aunt.
“Cathy made sure the harness was secure and that Allison was comfortable, then she sprinkled her with fairy dust before Allison was lifted into the air,” Gayle Tarzwell recalls. “Then Allison started singing ‘I’m flying!’ and Cathy joined in.”
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Allison Tarzell says her most thrilling experience was flying with Rigby onstage, during performances. For the big event, planned months in advance, Tarzwell wore a Peter Pan costume made by her aunt. “Cathy made sure the harness was secure and that Allison was comfortable, then she sprinkled her with fairy dust before Allison was lifted into the air,” Gayle Tarzwell recalls. “Then Allison started singing ‘I’m flying!’ and Cathy joined in.” |
Among her memories, Tarzwell cherishes a framed photograph from that day (a gift from Rigby); an extensive binder she compiled herself to document Rigby’s tours (complete with clippings, cast photos and letters from Rigby); and copious trinkets and autographed memorabilia from Rigby.
During one particularly memorable heart-to-heart in Rigby’s dressing room, Rigby encouraged Tarzwell to discover what makes her happy, and to follow her dreams. “I always take advice from Cathy and her songs inspire me,” Tarzwell says. “So my real dream is to lose 50 pounds and be in show business … I’m going to be Peter Pan!”
In the meantime, Tarzwell has graduated from high school and finished a teacher assistant course at a local community college. She says Rigby’s friendship has made a big difference in her life. But Rigby says, “I’ve benefited from our friendship much more than Allison has.”
“Allison is direct, honest and she has a real passion for life. She’s a go-getter and that’s very inspirational,” Rigby says. “The blessing is that she doesn’t see obstacles; she just wants to know when and how she can do something–and if not, why can’t she?”
Without hesitation, Rigby says she has connected with Tarzwell on a greater level than with any of her fans. “With people like Allison, you want to give of yourself,” Rigby says. “She doesn’t want anything except your friendship and it’s such an unconditional love. We should all have friends like that.”
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