Three Lessons the Modell’s Taught Me
After being diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency at 6 months of age in 1991, my parents were uncertain about what the future had in store for me. However, after meeting Fred and Vicki, and getting involved with the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, my course in life became well defined.
From Center Dedications openings at hospitals to Spring Ahead Galas, I’ve had the incredible opportunity of becoming close with the Modell’s over the past 15 years. Acting as another set of Grandparent’s to me, Fred and Vicki helped me learn a fair share of life lessons along the way.
From a kid who was labeled “bubble boy”, to now a first time entrepreneur, I’ve decided to highlight 3 of the most important lessons that I learned from Vicki and Fred.
Be Confident
Whether it’s in business or with your health, you must be confident in the way you go about doing things. Napoleon Hill once said that, “the starting point of all achievement is desire,” and I believe that this pertains to PI patients in many ways.
On a personal level, you should know that you can go out and live the life that you want. For example, over the past four years I’ve traveled to 4 continents, joined a fraternity, started a company and lived over 3,000 miles away from home.
Professionally, you have no need to be nervous. I guarantee that you’ve most likely faced more adversity than anyone else out in the workforce. Therefore, employers will look at your PI as an asset vs a liability, based purely on the fact that you’ve already overcome great odds.
Follow Your Dreams
As a Millennial generation we tend to focus on enjoying what we do. Therefore, I strongly urge you to identify what your passion is in life and then go after it. Set goals and deadlines, find mentors, and most of all, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Nearly two years ago I realized that my passion in life was to inspire others to have the confidence to follow their dreams. This passion came from the incredible opportunities and mindset that Fred and Vicki bestowed upon me. As a result, I launched my first company, an eCommerce casual men’s footwear brand named Category Five, and I haven’t looked back.
Confucius once said “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Live by this quote.
Help Others
Pay it forward. It’s plain and simple. Vicki and Fred have touched the lives of so many patients and families that it’s impossible to count. As the younger generation, we have been lucky enough to reap the benefits, and it’s our job to make sure that their legacy lives on every day of our lives.
The strength, courage and overall zest for life that Vicki and Fred have exemplified since Day 1, is something for us all to look up to.
Finally, while they’ve always pushed me to be confident, follow my dreams and help others, the reality is that they’ve taught me so much more than that. However, what all these lessons have added up to is the fact that Vicki and Fred don’t just want children with PI to live “normal lives”, they want us to live extraordinary ones!