This fundraiser is near to my heart as I was born with cataracts and as a result was blind for the first two years of my life.  I endured several surgeries as a child to gain sight, but do to this was left without any lenses, and some of the muscles necessary to help the eyes move properly.

As a child, I was not allowed to participate in any sport activities in school becasue officials were afraid that I would hurt my eyes further.  This disappointed me greatly becasue I wanted to run and jump and play like the other kids.  At home, I could be a kid, but in school, I was forced to sit and watch.  

I loved when the spring would come becasue I knew that it was time for the special olympics.  I could finally do all the things I wanted in a "school" setting with other kids without anyone watching over me making sure I did not break my glasses, or get anything in my eyes.  Every year from kindergarden through sixth grade I participated in the special olympics of New York.  

Now, it is my turn to give back to an organization that allowed me to be a care free kid for a day.  The money that the families of a special needs child has to spend for medical care, therapies, equipment, medications, and other related items is un-real.  This fundraiser helps to send every special needs child to the special olympics free of charge.

We must be thankful for the gifts that God  has given us and we must put them to good use otherwise we risk having them taken away.  God gave me my gift of poor sight and the experiences of enduring cruelties as a child and an adult so that I can use them as a tool to educate people.  People with special needs are just like any other person.  We have hopes and dreams, aspirations for the future, and a lust to explore.  All we ask for is the chance.  Don't force us to sit on the sidelines and watch as everyone else gets to run and jump and play.  You never know, we might just surprise you and become President of the United States one day.

In closing; I want to thank you for visiting my Special Olympics South Carolina Personal Fundraising Page. I am raising money for Special Olympics because I believe in their mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for over 15,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout South Carolina. Each athlete has remarkable gifts and abilities. And each one deserves a chance to show the world what he or she can do. Here's where you can help give these athletes that chance! Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to Special Olympics South Carolina. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!