"How do I get started as a speaker?" Once again, I was asked this question just recently and decided to provide my answer to all who are interested. Start by designing a one-page profile which includes program title, description, objectives and a bio. Here are six of my profiles, each tailored to a different audience: [...]
My three minutes of podium time was preceded with an introduction by CNN anchor Chris Cuomo. His introduction was about the power of story, and specifically my expertise on the subject. He didn't just do research on me. He admitted to me that he was aware of my work years ago. I was surprised to [...]
If you ask a cancer survivor what HOPE means to them, their answer may not necessarily be 'a CURE.' It may be 'feeling well enough to attend a family event in two months,' or 'accomplish a task within the week', or 'have a pain-free moment'. After my presentation at Grand Rounds, I had a tour [...]
So many people have said to me, “You look fantastic!” Why focus on how I look? You probably have little idea about my quality of life compromises that you cannot see on the outside. For me, I had bilateral vocal chord polyps and nodules, basal cell carcinoma in my radiated field, ringing in my ears, [...]
“I am lucky enough to have a front row seat for Humanitarian Acts,” proclaimed my new friend Ida Huneault who chaired the dental hygiene conference in Ottawa at which I was the keynote speaker. Her 15 year old son Tyler Huneault has Sialidosis, a very rare enzyme disorder from which few children survive more than [...]
A story not silenced. When I spoke to this radio interviewer, I heard words are slightly slurred and others annunciated with a struggle. Very quickly into the conversation, I got past the struggle and heard the strong vice and smart mind of this man who has a passion to improve the world by being an example himself [...]
A story not silenced. She was raised by a single mother in upstate NY. She was a 'good kid' and stood out as a great dancer. By age 12, she knew she was gay and became outspoken about her discovery, causing unmanageable friction in the house. In this day and age, there are still parents who just [...]
A story not silenced. A story can change worlds. Mr Gillard shares his story, inspiring us with how to turn adversity into opportunity. "In my heart of hearts, I wanted to do the right thing, but selling drugs was easy. Everyone was doing it. I mean, I'm not using that as an excuse, I made [...]
A friend recently walked in memory of a young woman who took her life. I saw this poem and slightly adapted it to remove the religious tone. Those who fight suicidal thoughts may find some comfort in this poem: A Higher SelfIn this moment I choose to recognize that there is within me a perfect Self.A [...]
A story not silenced. A silver-haired man in a white t-shirt and jeans was going through Atlanta airport’s TSA in a wheelchair. He had no legs and only one arm. I thought to myself, how does he get into the airplane seat? How does he get over the thin ramp into the plane with the wheelchair? [...]
