Public speaking is the best way that I can gain access to the greatest audience in order to get the Team Forever mission across! I have had the pleasure of speaking to different organizations since last year, including church groups, schools, executives and athletic banquets. Each speech has presented the chance for me to reach out to an audience and talk about what we are trying to accomplish. The media will always focus on the dangerous aspect of the sport I have grown to love, however the true reason, philantrophy and the understanding of what you have been given, is the reason I risk what I do to help the children and families in the infant cardiothoracic ward at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh!
As an example, I spoke at an institution which takes in physically and sexually abused children and teens – one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Even though these kids had to struggle during most of their lives, which included being exposed to violence and sexual abuse, I was able to reach them because I recalled my experiences with losing close friends to violent acts. I told them the struggle to survive in life is similar to surviving in the middle of an ocean. Even though there are threats all around us, we need to keep going, and NEVER GIVE UP! I did not show pity, but explained how others have it much rougher than they did. I spoke about volunteering alongside young children who are on the verge of death due to a various childhood illnesses, and the many struggles they and their families go through everyday. When you help a young girl who does not have any hair due to cancer, yet can still smile at you, is quite an eye-opening experience.You think you have it tougher than they do? Not possible. After I spoke, I had a young boy come up to me and said, “Mr. Miller, can I tell you about my dream?” As you can imagine, it was a pretty amazing feeling to have him open up to me about what he wants to achieve in his life. I was quite blessed that day.
I encourage EVERYONE who supports our mission, to reach out via the Team Forever website (darren-miller.com) and let me know if there are ANY opportunities I can have to speak with your group, or organization. I do not ask for any form of compensation, but rather a donation to Team Forever. As always, 100% of every donation goes back to the Forever Fund, and is 100% tax-deductible! Our fundraising helps ease the financial burden of the families during their time of need. This could include gas for travel, a hotel to sleep, prescription costs or a hot meal. Families struggle very much when their child is fighting to survive. The Forever Fund helps make that fight a little easier…
Please help me spread the good word of our mission to those who matter the most to you!
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