|
|
Inner Strength Heroes: Michelle Carston and Tedy Bruschi
By Greg Smith
Got Fear? In my motivational presentations, I often talk about how fear should be our road map to greatness. Often, it is exactly what we fear that makes us stronger. This week, two very different people are making that even more apparent. The first is my friend Michelle Carston. The second is New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
 If you saw the documentary film, "On A Roll," or if you listened to the old "On A Roll" radio show over the years, you met Michelle, a longtime friend and radio cohort. Michelle and her husband Peter Carston are about to become parents early next week. What makes this birth so interesting is the fact that Michelle has a C-5 spinal cord injury, paralyzed from the chest down. What makes it extremely stressful to those of us who love her is the fact that Michelle lives directly in the path of Hurricane Wilma. She was scheduled to be admitted to the hospital on Sunday, the day the storm hits Florida. Instead, she'll go in on Saturday and "hunker down." She will be induced on Monday night, hopefully in a hospital that is fully functional.
Many people would caution a woman with her level of injury who has always dreamed of motherhood. But Michelle's inner strength has pushed her past the fears. Her strength inspires all who know her and next spring, we'll all get a chance to witness this exciting chapter in her life... The Discovery Health Network has been videotaping her pregnancy and will be there through Hurricane Wilma and the birth of Pierce Carston.
"It is exciting," says Michelle. "The uncertainty of the storm is nervewracking. The uncertainty of being a quadriplegic and delivering makes me a little nervous. But more than anything, I'm excited and eager to meet my son."
Tedy Bruschi is excited as well. Just eight months ago, he survived a stroke. Yesterday, he took the practice field and worked out with the first team defense of the New England Patriots. When Bruschi announced his comeback, I watched in horror as my sportscasting brethren criticized his decision, questioned his intelligence and his motivation for doing what he wants to do. And what alarmed me the most? Sal Palantonio's report on ESPN in which he said the stroke turned the All Pro linebacker into a "near cripple."
What particularly bothered me about this attitude is the fact that I have experienced it so many times in life, people cautioning me not to do things because it might not be safe. "Don't ride that roller coaster. Don't go on that ski lift. Don't try to learn how to drive. Don't have kids. Don't go scuba diving."
Sure, all of those things I was warned about could have had tragic endings. Michelle may have a difficult, life threatening delivery. Bruschi might slam his helmet into the wrong running back and cause irreversible damage to his brain.
I admire them both for having the courage and the inner strength to look fear straight in the eye and say, "Bring it on." What are YOU afraid of?
This Week's Show
Greg Smith will sit behind a real microphone in a real radio studio for the first time since Hurricane Katrina robbed him of his studio. Thanks to Cox Broadcasting in Dayton, Ohio, The Strength Coach will take the airwaves again as host of his show. This week, Greg will talk with Eleanor Smith about how the disability movement can make "visitability" on the coast its MAJOR issue right now. This is an opportunity for "visitability" to become a household word.
To find out more about how you can help, visit "Concrete Change," a nonprofit organization with the mission of ensuring every new home has at least one level entrance and a bathroom door wide enough...so we can get in and we can pee!
Greg will also talk to Anita Kegley, a resident of Pass Christian, Miss., who lost everything in the storm. She will talk about services for people with disabilities on the coast and the living conditions people are still enduring, two months later.
Christopher Reeve Foundation Helps Katrina Victims
In response to the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Katrina, the Christopher Reeve Foundation has earmarked $100,000 of Quality of Life funds for grants to nonprofit agencies that provide direct emergency relief services for people with disabilities displaced by the storm and resultant flooding. The Foundation’s Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) has also prepared specialized information for people with paralysis displaced by Katrina as well as for people who find themselves in the new role of a caregiver. The PRC has a team of highly trained information specialists ready to respond to the needs of evacuees from the Gulf Coast. For more information, visit http://www.paralysis.org.
Sharing his real life story!
Greg is making a special 6 p.m. appearance at the Reel Life: Disability Film Festival in Dearborn, Mich., this Oct. 21. Not only will he discuss his film and his life, but he will also be covering his most recent experiences dealing with devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Greg will be selling and signing his book. The profit from sales will help his family rebuild.
On A Roll now on bookstore shelves!
Visit your local bookstore and pick up a copy of "On A Roll: Reflections from America's Wheelchair Dude with the Winning Attitude." If it is not there, ask for it!
The book will give you insight into maximizing your capabilities and leading a life of service.
Greg's Smith's success as a broadcaster, speaker and disability leader and marketer is filled with experiences everyone can learn from and appreciate. Read how he reinvented his life and battled against the devaluation of others to emerge victorious. Take a minute now to get your copy.
Make a difference!
Greg's family lost everything in the storm. The insurance company is calling the hurricane a flood, and the Smith's did not have flood insurance. If you want to make a donation to a specific Katrina victim, the Ohio nonprofit AME Church that Greg is attending now and has attended in the past with his family has agreed to accept donations for the Smith family. The church will mail tax-deductible receipts back to the donor.
Checks should be made out to:
"Central Chapel AME Church: Greg Smith Family"
Mail checks to:
Joanne Caputo, Director
ON A ROLL DOCUMENTARY
JoJo Beanyhead Co. LLC
247 Whitehall Dr.
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
If you want to offer specific assistance to Greg, please e-mail helpstrengthcoach@yahoo.com and describe how you can help.
Above all else, please continue to pray!
Hire Greg to Speak
Now is the time Greg needs work. His message of inner strength is now much stronger after his Katrina experience.
The Extra Point!
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. -- Henry Ford
Greg's work is supported in part by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Does your state's DD Council support disability media initiatives? Why not? To find out how, call 1-877-331-7563.
|
|
|
