As a person with a disability, I have had to overcome many obstacles and challenges over my life. At the age of 6 months I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), which was due to a lack of oxygen at birth. The Mayo Clinic defines Cerebral Palsy as a disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture that is caused by an insult to the immature, developing brain, most often before birth.
CP has made everyday tasks (ADLs) such as, eating, walking, typing, extremely difficult. However, it has also taught me how to persevere while not letting my disability define me. It was engrained in me through my parents and support system, to never give up on my goals.
Aside from a very encouraging support system, I found strength through my faith in Jesus Christ from a very young age. Being raised in the church, I have always heard about how Jesus loves me and wants what's best for me. However, I did not start taking my faith seriously until high school, when I started attending youth group and Young Life regularly. I found in Young Life, as well as church, the support beyond my family and many therapists that encouraged me to live life to the fullest. This provided me a solid group of friends that I have never had before. These friends provided encouragement to step out of my comfort zone and try things, such as being on the track team.
This new confidence I found through my faith, family and my friends, enabled me to go away to George Fox University (Newberg, OR.), on a scholarship through the Act Six Leadership Initiative (founded by Northwest Leadership Foundation and the Portland Leadership Foundation), and earn a bachelors degree in Christian Ministries. During my time at George Fox, the university ranked no. 134 on Forbes' "America's Best Colleges" list and was named the top ranked Christian college in the northwest. It was through my studies and experiences at George Fox where I developed a heart for the disability community in the Portland metro area and eventually worldwide. I learned that I have a heart for people with disabilities to have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, especially high school kids.
Since graduating from George Fox, I have devoted my time and resources to improving the quality of life of others, particularly those who have been impacted by disability, as-well-as educating about physical and emotional hurdles to young entrepreneurs. I have done this through promoting disability awareness in public schools, mentorship, disabilities advocacy, disabilities ministries and educating the general public through public speaking engagements. I look forward to continuing to make an impact city wide, state wide and globally through different endeavors.
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Dear Friends,
WOW!!! I am shocked and humbled by your support and generosity! We were able to achieve 25% of our goal in under a week.
As many of you know, I have never been one to let anything stand in the way of what I set my mind on accomplishing, especially my disability. Over the last several years, I have felt called to use my experience to motivate others to reach their full potential. My ultimate goal is to take the principles outlined in this book and use them in motivational speaking engagements and consulting ventures. By preordering this book, you have played a vital role in helping me achieve my goal and I'm eternally grateful!
Publishers receive my proposal directly at 100, 250, 500, and 1,000 preorders. Please help me CRUSH my goal by sharing this campaign with 3 others. Together we can help others turn their bondage into tools of freedom!
To Your Dreams and Success,
Blake