In 2005, I met a young man who had a suite of issues, with four distinct diagnoses. Over time, this young man taught me through his behavior of the pure goodness within him – no agendas, just what you saw. Several years later, I attended an EKO dance. I couldn’t stop smiling. It was the most joy in one room I had ever seen: all the kids there seemed to be the same, with every one of them full of joy and totally accepting of every other person around them. Obviously, many knew each other and had developed close bonds. I have had many proud moments in my life, but when these young people, or their parents, come up to me and thank me for what we do, its surreal to realize what we can accomplish. I am fully dedicated to this organization and its growth and outreach.