Dear Friends,
I would like to share an INSPIRATION with you. This inspiration is my cousin John Kerr. He has been living with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) since birth. Even though he has this disease, he is an extraordinarily blessed human being. He has dedicated his life to helping others and that’s why I’m sharing his joy and passion with you.
John Kerr was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the age of eighteen months he was diagnosed with the neuromuscular disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. This is a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy that attacks the motor neurons in the spinal cord and directly affects the functionality of his muscles. Never able to sit up independently or crawl, John received his first electric wheelchair on his fifth birthday. This newfound independence buoyed John into a life that was no different than his peers. At the age of ten, John battled his first bout of pneumonia and doctors gave him six months to live. This became the first of many struggles with respiratory illnesses and numerous dire prognoses. However, with a strong sense of faith and family support, John overcame these challenges and forged a well-rounded life for himself.
John has never let this disease slow him down. John has been able to experience a number of adventures, including snorkeling twice in Hawaii, swimming with dolphins, and his biggest thrill - taking a Class III whitewater rafting trip down the American River. As time goes by and new physical challenges arise, John's passion for life and his desire to live it grow stronger.
A few years ago, John began thinking of ways he may be able to help others with his same condition and give something back to society. He decided to start a foundation. This foundation came to fruition with the formation of "The John Kerr Foundation" to enhance the lives of those living with Muscular Dystrophy.
His foundation helps those with Muscular Dystrophy through scholarships, providing medical care and equipment, organizing adventure related activities, and promoting independence and self worth. John’s eventual goal and dream is to form "The John Kerr Foundation Summer Camp for Children with Muscular Dystrophy.”
I also wanted to give back. I had been searching for a way to share my soul and make a difference. My searches then lead me to John and his foundation. So I decided that I would create an annual fundraiser as my way of giving back. The first event was in 2009 at the Alameda Yacht Club. It was a huge success and I can't wait for the next one.
Seas the day and see ya at the next event!
Blessings,
Bob
Here's a link to pictures from the 2009 fundraiser for The John Kerr Foundation:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37242854@N06/sets/72157622983113798/
For more information about John and his foundation go to:
http://www.johnkerrfoundation.org/
