I am writing this entry because I am so moved by the example of one of my students, a 22 year-old young adult with Cerebral Palsy named James Lacerenza. So moved, in fact, that I signed on to help him to reach his goal of raising $16,000 for the Muscular Distrophy Telethon on September 6 and 7.
As of August 7, working alone, though sheer passion and determination, James has put together $15,770. A mere two hundred and thirty dollars more will put him over the top...That's 46 people pledging $5.00 each.
We are hoping that you will consider joining us in this small fund-raising effort, that will make a big impact on the lives of children suffering from this crippling, sometimes fatal disease.
As some of you may know, I am a teacher. Currently, I work with an adult literacy program that, in addition to its regular program, offers a job skills / job readiness program to urban youth. James came to my class this summer and has inpired us all with his story.
Here is an exerpt from his website, where he speaks about who he is and what he's accomplished so far.
My name is James Lacerenza. I am currently a junior at the University of Connecticut, and I have cerebral palsy.
I have been a volunteer for the Westchester County, NY / Fairfield County, CT chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) since 1999. Since then, I have become a district supervisor for the organization, volunteering annually at my local Jerry Lewis Telethon pledge center, answering phones every Labor Day Weekend, and organizing the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign [which sends] children to an MDA Summer Camp.
For the past two years, I've been privileged enough to be invited to the camp site in Spring Valley, NY What I saw there moved me to tears. Children who were literally dying now were living. And smiling. And not complaining that they had an incurable disease...
I knew then that I had to send every child to camp in 2008, and beyond, until a cure was found.
Over the past several months, James has approached every friend and classmate he knows. He has introduced himself to friends of friends, business colleagues, even strangers and with every conversation, he has shared his vision for helping these children. But he's reached the end of his personal list and is still a couple of hundred dollars short.
If you can find it in your heart to pledge $5.00 to James' cause, and pass the word to others in your own network, we can help him reach his goal.
You can make your tax-deductible gift though Jame's website. Make sure to read his full story on his My Story page. I'm sure you will be impressed by the determination of this young man and the example he sets for us all.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
John Lord
Personal Coach
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