I am thrilled to announce HopeCourageInspiration.com’s first Profile in Hope recipient, Liam Niewohner!
A few weeks ago, Stephanie Niewohner wrote to me and shared her son’s courageous story of perseverance and huge heart for others. Determined to change the paradigm of a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, 14-year-old Liam embodies the phrase “BE the change you wish to see in the world.” He’s a dedicated Boy Scout of Troop 457 in Clovis, CA, and is pursuing his Eagle Scout. Liam wore his uniform all the way to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where he spoke to congressional leaders about the arthritis epidemic.
Diagnosed with a mild case of cerebral palsy when he was six, Liam was also later diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile RA and fibromylagia in 2010. None of these obstacles held brave Liam back. He played sled hockey and earned his skating merit badge; he played wheelchair basketball and earned his athletic and sports merit badges. He met with a local meteorologist to fulfill requirements for his weather merit badge. But Liam didn’t stop there – he also earned the most inspirational award from Children’s Hospital’s Adaptive Sports Program for which he’s volunteered the last two years! Liam shaves his head almost yearly to raise money for children’s cancer research, and in July, he compiled and donated toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo to the Ronald McDonald House. Liam is also training to be a camp counselor for The Painted Turtle, a free camp for kids with certain disabilities like RA.
You can read more about his inspiring journey in the Fresno Bee at:
My favorite quote by Liam, “Always be kind to people. You may not know them, but a random act of kindness every day can help brighten up someone’s day.”
Liam, YOU are an inspiration, and I am honored to name you as HopeCourageInspiration.com’s very first Profile in Hope. Congratulations!
Hope | Courage | Inspiration 