Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
FOJ Friday: Kevin Carty

Please meet FOJ Kevin Carty, Vice President of Sales at Classic Exhibits, out in Portland, Oregon. In my professional life, I've been working with Classic Exhibits for only the last three years, Kevin is celebrating 15 years with Classic. Kevin does something that I find absolutely extraordinary and I want to share it with you.

Back in April 2000, Kevin was diagnosed with Stage 3 Testicular Cancer. Though his family was supportive, he found that his greatest strength and inspiration came from the fellow cancer patients, doctors, and nurses that he was surrounded by, 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. They kept him going. A gift from a friend led him to look into the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The LAF not only raises money for cancer research, but also works at keeping the disease in the public, as well as our government's eye and making sure that drug companies don't wrongly capitalize on the sickness.

Kevin started participating in the LIVESTRONG Challenge. This event allows people of all ages to "pick a fight with cancer." You can walk, run, bike, donate, or volunteer. On June 21st, in Seattle, he will bicycle 100 miles, and hopes to raise $25k personally and $50k through his team. He says the ride is HARD! "100 miles HARD, but as he rides, he reminds himself that it is only hard for ONE day, and is nowhere near as hard as chemo treatments." He also hopes to raise enough to earn a trip to Austin, Texas, to ride personally with Lance Armstrong.

As if that were NOT amazing enough, Kevin then gives the trip to a child with cancer, through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, allowing that child to spend the day with Lance. Kevin says, "These kiddos will not likely beat cancer like I did. And if, even for just one day, they can spend a day with someone that they find inspiring, that's one day that they will surely not be focused on their battle with cancer." Let me just say that I am humbled and honored to be a FOK! It's folks like him that remind me that God certainly has a lot more work to do with me..

And, did I mention that the single most important part of the ride for Kevin is the namecards that he wears on his back?? There are names that he collects, and wears "in Honor of" or "in Memory of." I am proud to say that he will be riding this year with the name of my dad, who is a survivor of prostate cancer. If you have loved ones that you would like Kevin to ride with, please email him those names.

We can support Kevin in this by donating to the LAF, by clicking here. This link will take you directly to his page. You can also contact Kevin at kevin@classicexhibits.com. And please consider following him on Twitter. His twitter name is @kevin_carty.

Your comments--priceless!!


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Colorblind

Yesterday, when I left the hospital, I had but ONE thing on my mind--EATING. I had no idea what I wanted to eat, only that I wanted to devour a lot of it.

I got home and before I could even taste the first morsels that I've gotten to enjoy in the last few days, I was stunned by the news of the shooting at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. I was so taken aback that I put my fork down. What is the world coming to? When you have elderly folk committing such heinous acts of hate, there's a problem.

I used to work at the Holocaust Museum, years ago, in the Development department. Imagine that, an African American Christian raising funds for a museum whose permanent exhibit documented the Jewish holocaust. Believe it or not, I had a ball. The folks that I met while working there were some of the best people in the world. And we were such a diverse group. I learned so much there, and am still in touch with some of my co-workers, 15 years later.

I believe that I am truly colorblind. If I like you, it has nothing to do with your color. If I don't like you, it has nothing to do with your color. I have friends and family that represent every hue in the rainbow. I treasure ALL of my friends and each one enhances my life. Not everyone is so lucky. A lot of people limit themselves to getting to know only 1 segment of society. I don't think they realize what they are missing out on. It saddens me.

I've decided to introduce a new feature, FOJ FRIDAYS. It will start tomorrow. There are so many FOJ's that I would like to introduce you to. Each has touched my world in some way and have interesting stories to tell. Each will include contact information. If someone's story touches you, let them know. Reach out to them. Expand your circle.

And tell me what your thoughts are on diversity. Do you have limited exposure to those of different races, creeds, and colors? Are there those that you particularly avoid? Why?

Your comments-priceless!!

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Here's to Good Women...

Who would have thought that a 3 year old would have dominated the news late yesterday? Yep, 3 year old Rachel Alexandra captured the Preakness, the second jewel in the Triple Crown of horse racing. A female hasn't won that race in 85 years.

She was told that she couldn't win against male horses. It was said that her in the race would be like sending a high school athlete to play against the pros. The horse racing world proclaimed that she had no business there. But her jockey, Calvin Burrell, had this to say--"She has so much determination. When you look this filly in the eyes, it's unbelievable."


I believe in women. I believe that a woman, or for that matter, ANY person, can do anything that they set their minds to, given training and hard work towards the goal. Don't forget to encourage someone today, especially a young girl/woman. One of my favorite quotes goes like this--"Here's to good women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." I don't know who wrote it, but me likey!!!


Your comments--priceless!!
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There's No Such Thing as a Done Deal

Yesterday, in the 11th hour, the favorite pulled out of the famed Kentucky Derby. This resulted in new favorites being thrust into the spotlight. But, wouldn't you know, the winner ended up being a longshot, one that, supposedly, didn't have a chance of winning. This was a "cheap" horse, being jockeyed by a man who raced to victory on a different horse, just the day before.

The beginning of the race was unremarkable, with the favorites leading. Just before the final turn, Calvin Borel, made his move atop Mine That Bird. He found a hole, slid in there, and rode the rail to victory. After the race, he displayed pure, raw emotion. One couldn't help but to be happy with him.

The lesson to be learned here is this--Nevermind the odds. It doesn't matter who thinks you are going to fail. They are not in control of your life. Do what you've trained to do. Don't focus on your competition. Run your own race and don't give up.

Your comments--priceless!!
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