Participate in Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day

In honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day tomorrow, we wanted to share this message from J Douglas Holladay.

Friends,

People follow people. One of my mentors frequently reminds me of this fact. Yes, words do matter, as do ideas, but we are challenged and shaped, for good or ill, by the people who have occupied some place in our lives.

JFK and Senator Kennedy’s sister, Eunice Shriver, did so much for so many. Her son and my good friend (and Honorary PathNorth member), Tim Shriver continues her legacy by guiding the incredible global work of Special Olympics. It is powerful in its simplicity. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are people who should be with us all at life’s table to fully and equally share in the journey.

Instead of writing an August Musing, I simply want to draw attention to Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day coming up. I wanted you to be aware of this in case you might decide to participate in some fashion. But even more than that, I want us to pause and reflect upon the lives of people like Eunice Shriver who changed her times. We all have the chance to make our world better if we jump in and try. Is one life better because you lived?

Stay cool, Doug

For more information on Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, go to: www.eksday.org.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day (EKS Day) is an annual celebration of her life and a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Ways to get involved:

• Participate in a local Special Olympics or Best Buddies “PLAY ON” event on Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day.
• Use social, print, or video media to share the impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
• Challenge your friends and family to join in doing and sharing EKS Acts of Unity.
• Create your own act that demonstrates your passion for continuing Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s invaluable legacy.
• Visit www.eunicekennedyshriver.org to learn about the life and impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and inspire others to join in acts of inclusion and acceptance.
• Share your Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day event by emailing your name, state/country and a description of your event to eksday@specialolympics.org.

Guest Blogger J. Douglas Holladayis Founder and Co-Chair of the Buxton Initiative, founder of PathNorth, Inc., and on the Board of Directors of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. Previously, he was a senior officer with the international investment banking firm Goldman, Sachs & Company and held senior positions in the White House and State Department.