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GREG FORBES SIEGMAN
ATHLETIC-FITNESS-HEALTH - DEALING WITH PHYSICAL OBSTACLES
BACKGROUND: The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based on the true story of the first thirty years of the life of Greg Forbes Siegman, his efforts to make a difference, and the first thirty lessons learned from the people and places he encountered (and the setbacks and successes he experienced) along the way. A Place To Sit by Catheryne Izeklow Rozelle is the companion workbook. Athletics, fitness, health and physical obstacles all play prominent roles in the story.
Part of the book and one of its thirty lessons specifically revolve around Greg's first (surprisingly positive) experience working out at the gym. Another portion of the story focuses on Greg's desire to complete a marathon. A number of Greg's friends, who play meaningful roles within the story, are friends he makes through athletics (including Little League baseball, summer sports camp and high school football and football camp). The book reflects on the unique ability sports has to bring people together of different races and cultures. Sports-related values like leadership and teamwork and dealing with setbacks/rejection/failure, in general, are prominent themes in the story.
Part of the story revolves around the lessons Greg learns after being forced to spend some time in a wheelchair after four operations on his feet, as well as what he learns from an inspiring friend who has cancer -- both chapters emphasizing the extent to which people should be grateful when they have the ability to run, jump and play at will. Part of the book reflects on his efforts to raise money to fight a disease - and what he learns from the experience. A significant part of the book revolves around Greg's time with his Grandma and with the ladies at the Senior Center when he volunteers -- highlighting the internal strength people possess -- and the respect they should be shown -- regardless of their physical self.
Greg has been asked to speak at a variety of events involving Athletics, Fitness, Health and/or Audiences dealing with Physical Obstacles; and a number of professional sports teams, health & fitness organizations, and hospitals have become involved with Greg's work and/or the book.
FURTHER BACKGROUND: While most of Greg's civic efforts have revolved around diversity and education, Greg has also personally raised funds and/or volunteered time to help highlight and/or address a variety of health-related issues including Multiple Sclerosis and cancer. Most recently, Greg's nonprofit organization (The 11-10-02 Foundation) funded three college scholarships to help students who are studying to be nurses. The scholarships were funded and named after a young man who passed away from cancer, and each of his two parents (the latter two scholarships were done in recognition of the fact that those who strongly support someone with cancer are just as inspirational as the person who is facing it head on). Previously, The 11-10-02 Foundation has funded scholarships to help students who face physical obstacles -- with the emphasis being on defining them by what they have achieved, not the obstacle they face. Greg also coordinated a program that involved hundreds of young people volunteering their time with senior citizens.
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GREG'S BIO: Bio
RELEVANT WEBSITES:
Greg's website - The First Thirty's website
The 11-10-02 Foundation (Greg's nonprofit organization) website: www.ShakingUpAmerica.org
BOOK SUMMARY: One page synopsis of The First Thirty
SAMPLE OF MEDIA / HONORS:
== Good Morning America buried a Time Capsule chronicling Greg's efforts to use brunches and sports to break down racial and cultural barriers among young people
== Washington Post Co ran feature comparing Greg and Steven Spielberg, their experiences in school and dealing with rejection and how that impacted their lives
== Featured in Club Business International, The NonProfit Times cover story, Education Week, College News, NBC, CBS among others
== Honors received include Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, Hasbro Real-Life American Hero, Princeton University - one of nation's top social entrepreneurs under 40, Education Center Director's Award, multiple honors for raising funds to fight Multiple Sclerosis, and for time spent volunteering with Senior Citizens
== Among the guests columns Greg has written for various publications, he wrote one specifically on dealing with physical obstacles
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SAMPLE WITH THE BOOKS:
== In Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) ordered copies of The First Thirty for local students in Canada
= In New York, the New York Football Giants (NFL) sponsored an essay contest for local students based on The First Thirty
== An anonymous New York businessman ordered 50 copies of The First Thirty to be given out during the holiday season (2007) to various nonprofit organizations and other service agencies including: a hospital (for its Reach Out and Read program), a medical center (to give to selected patients), a nonprofit organization (for staff and beneficiaries) and an abused women's shelter (for selected women and their kids)
== In Minnesota, the Minnesota Vikings (NFL) purchased copies of The First Thirty for local middle school students and sponsored an essay contest based on the book for them
== The Tug McGraw Foundation, named after former MLB star Tug McGraw, ordered copies of The First Thirty for its Board of Directors and some of its top supporters
== In St. Louis, Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa (www.wellbridgeAC.com) purchased copies of A Place To Sit for local MBA students studying Entrepreneurship (and reading The First Thirty in their course)
== In California, Centerpoint Athletic Club purchased copies of The First Thirty for local high school students
== The head of a local branch of GNC Live Well, the popular health & nutrition store, ordered copies of The First Thirty for his staff as a holiday gift -- citing the story's emphasis on living on a positive way and working collaboratively with those around you
== U of C Hospitals ordered 200 copies of The First Thirty to give out to its volunteers and some of its staff
== North Community Bank ordered copies of The First Thirty to give to students in Loiusiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina, citing the story's emphasis on how to deal with obstacles
== Students at Tufts University order copies of The First Thirty, donate them to local Boys & Girls Club
SAMPLE OF SPEECHES:
== Greg spoke about leadership, teamwork, work ethic and humility with the Knox College Football Team
== Greg keynoted an annual event for hundreds of donors of United Way in Canada (appearance sponsored by Scotiabank)
== Spoke about same topics with the Lakehead University Men's Basketball Team
== Greg delivers a series of speeches on community service in Kentucky, in support of who passed away from cancer
OTHER SUPPORT FOR GREG'S EFFORTS FROM THE ATHLETIC-FITNESS-HEALTH INDUSTRY. Examples include:
== The Multiplex Clubs and NHL Star Chris Chelios are among those who have contributed to The 11-10-02 Foundation
== Chicago Cubs 2nd baseman Eric Young and Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Miller are among those who have served on 11-10-02 Foundation Scholarship Boards
FEEDBACK ON SPEECHES & BOOKS:
BRYAN I. (COLLEGIATE WRESTLER AND CANCER SURVIVOR): "Greg's speech opened up my mind to a lot of things. How just the simplest things -- when commitment is made -- can have the biggest effects. For me, it was a commitment to survive that came into my head [as he was talking]. I am a cancer survivor now 3 months into my remission...I was [recently] cleared of cancer and have started working out for training for the first time in ten months, and I will be competing [next month, in a tournament] an hour from my home town. I am going to compete against opponents that have been training nonstop for possibly up to a year and I have only 3 months of training. Now, Grew inspired this thought: I know that mentally if i set my mind to it, I can do anything and use my work ethic and outwork them and give myself a chance. [Having said that], me returning is not about if i win or lose. It's the fact that I was told that it would be hard and difficult to beat cancer and return to wrestling after being away for that period of time, but I...put it in my mind that I could accomplish my goal...Without Greg coming to my school and speaking, i would have never seen my cancer as a chance of hope and positive reinforcement. For this, Greg, I Thank You!"
AMBER WILLIAMS, CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR, TEAM IN TRAINING, THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY, VIRGINIA CHAPTER: "I found The First Thirty very inspiring and appreciated the point that anyone, anywhere, at any age can make a difference. Too many times teenagers, or recent college graduates are told that they don't have enough experience to do the "real work" within a company so they're stuck in a corner filing papers. That sort of experience has the tendency to beat the creativity and passion out of some folks to do more. It's really unfortunate because they have so much to offer and an insight that hasn't been tainted by what's "possible" just yet based on what's been done in the past. I really try to stress to my staff that regardless of title, each person can come up with a really great idea that causes us to raise more money and make a greater difference toward finding a cure for cancer. If they don't truly believe that, and I don't truly believe that, it would be difficult for us to work really hard together, as a team with respect for one another. I'm definitely recommending that my staff read this book. It's full of great life lessons and work lessons, especially for those in the non-profit sector."
"The guys really enjoyed Greg's words, thoughts and outlook on life. Coach has already made several references [to what Greg said]. What I can take away....more than anything is his dedication and professionalism towards 'doing what you do.'..." - Ryan, Team Captain, Lakehead University basketball team
"I enjoyed Greg's talk and artwork immensely. I really took a lot from what he said and have been thinking a lot about what I mean to the team and how I interact with my teammates. I also feel that I am becoming more outgoing regarding meeting new people." -- Sincerely, Jim, Knox Football Team
"I would just like to thank Greg again for coming and speaking to our team. I know most of the guys have not stopped talking about it , I think a lot of his mesages got through to a lot of guys and i know it sure did for me. Wanting to be the leader of this team only in my second year, he showed me many different ways to lead this team..." - Jamie, Lakehead University basketball team
"...A great book..." - Mwansa Musambacine, Bally's Total Fitness
"...Greg's story about [making a difference] 'right outside your window' sparked a fire in my belly about something I've wanted to do for some time now....Last night was great..." - Beverly Billy, Manager, Volunteer Services, U of C Hospitals
JERRY EHRLICH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, St. Louis Society for the Physically Disabled: "The First Thirty WILL inspire you to believe dreams ARE reachable, "I can't" turns into "I can", and that one person CAN overcome and make a difference (It will also give you a new appreciation for milkshakes)."
"I interact with people going through adversity every day. I use lessons and take inspiration from The First Thirty to help me create unique solutions to many of the problems." -David Davidson- Medical Student-Rush University Medical Center
"The First Thirty is an insightful story about growing up, finding your way and remaining true to yourself." - Jennifer Mynear, Parent of the late Jarrett Mynear (Cancer patient and Founder of Jarrett's Joy Cart)
"For anyone who's been knocked down or told, "you can't do it," The First Thirty is an uplifting read that will make you want to get up, shake yourself off, have a milkshake, and get back to work...." Jarah Euston, Fresno Famous
"A lesson in humanity..." - - Midwest Book Review
FOR MORE FEEDBACK FROM EVENTS, CLICK HERE
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