Look At These

My last post was about Kanyeah "Look at me" West's need to have every last member of his concert audience stand in ordorance of his "singing".  Well, a few couldn't as they used wheelchairs and could not complete his requirements.

Enough about him.  I did want to offer up some examples that deserve to have people look at them.  I don't want to create what's known as "Inspirational Porn". IP are examples of, often, stories about disabled people doing things normal people do, thus inspiring people.

These are examples of people doing things that need to be recognized.  I don't want to inspire you.  I want you to see how some people, not famous, do things just because they want to.  No self glory, just people being happy.

Elite Stars

Elite Stars is a group of athletes with special needs.  Here's how the program is described on their website.

STARS Athletics is proud to offer a unique program for individuals with special needs from 4 years of age and up.  Specialized training designed especially for individuals with developmental and physical limitations. Designed by a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Personal Trainer and United States Association of Gymnastics Professional, UCA Cheer Professional and ISI/UFSA Skating Professional, the STARS program promises to develop athletes both physically and mentally while maximizing the fun!

Recreational programs promise fun, fitness, socialization and a learning opportunity for families to gain an understanding of healthy lifestyles and the opportunities available to those individuals with special needs.  The competitive programs are one-of-a-kind programs that offer elite coaching, great facilities and year-round training and competition opportunities to athletes with special needs. Athletes receive superior certified coaching support and have the opportunity to take part in the outstanding peer coach program, outings, clinics, camps, special events, trips and meets and competitions (locally & across the USA). 

Better yet here's a video that shows the program.

I know the founder Patty Hermann.  We go way back.  This is her passion.  

I asked her,

"Why Elite Stars?"

She replied,  

"I do what I do to defy the odds of what our society believes to be true. It motivates me to help these athletes exceed the norm and defy the odds."

Hope For Paws

Another group I want to highlight is Hope For Paws.  Hope For Paws is an animal rescue organization.  I realize there are many animal rescue organizations out there.  I see the commercials a lot on TV.  In fact, Christmas a few years ago, Jimmy saw one of those heart breaking ASPCA commercials.  Jimmy was so moved he wanted to donate to the ASPCA ASAP.  So, we did.  We sent them our money hoping it would help one of those poor animals.  In return, Jimmy got that feeling he was able to make a difference.  We also received more mail from them everyday asking for more and more money.  This post isn't to bash ASPCA.  I just was turned off by the  "Look At Me" vibe I felt from ASPCA.

"Hey Kenyeah, I'm Standing"

Hope For Paws just seems to focus on their mission.  Yes, they make videos that will move you to donate.  I did.  And I don't recall getting this either.

Hope For Paws make a big difference.  They rely on the internet's viral ability to spread their mission forward.  Here's a sample of their work.

I could go on and on about plenty of people doing things, not for the glory, but for their passions.  They don't need me to.  They can stand on their own.