Saturday, February 7, 2009

Gifted Hands


Tonight this amazing story will be aired on TNT! Please don't miss it. When my son Jordan was first diagnosed with his brain tumor we were immediately scheduled for surgery.

After hearing about Dr. Carson, we sent his films to him immediately. Dr. Carson reviewed them and we flew up to Johns Hopkins soon after. Dr. Carson advised us not to do the surgery, it was way too dangerous. A year later we went in to do a biopsy. Jordan had radiation soon after to stop it's growth. Dr. Carson was just the most HUMBLE doctor we've ever met. He is a strong Christian and gives God the glory for his amazing "gifted hands". You will enjoy his incredible story. Don't miss it!!



Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr., M.D.Benjamin S. Carson Sr., M.D., had a childhood dream of becoming a physician. But he grew up in a single-parent home, with dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper and low self-esteem. While that appeared to preclude the realization of his dream, his mother, with only a third-grade education, challenged both of her sons to strive for excellence. Carson persevered and today is a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and he has directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for nearly a quarter of a century.


He became the inaugural recipient of a professorship dedicated in his name in May 2008. He is now the Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D. and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N. Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery.Carson’s career highlights include the first separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987, the first completely successful separation of type-2 vertical craniopagus twins in 1997 in South Africa and the first successful placement of an intrauterine shunt for a hydrocephalic twin. Although he has been involved in many newsworthy operations, Carson feels that every case deserves maximum attention.


He is interested in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery and has a special interest in trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain) in adults.Carson holds more than 50 honorary doctorate degrees.


He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans and many other prestigious organizations. He sits on the board of directors of numerous organizations, including Kellogg Co., Costco Wholesale Corp. and the Academy of Achievement. He is also an Emeritus Fellow of the Yale Corp., the governing body of Yale University. He was appointed in 2004 by President George W. Bush to serve on the President’s Council on Bioethics. He is a highly regarded motivational speaker who has addressed various audiences, from school systems and civic groups to corporations and the President’s National Prayer Breakfast.


In 2001, Carson was named by CNN and Time as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. That same year, he was selected by the Library of Congress as one of 89 Living Legends on the occasion of its 200th anniversary. He is also the recipient of the 2006 Spingarn Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP. In February 2008, Carson was presented with the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal by President Bush at the White House.


In June 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the land. He has literally received hundreds of other awards during his distinguished career.Carson is president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. The fund is currently operating in 27 states and the District of Columbia, having awarded more than $3.4 million to more than 3,400 scholars.


He also co-founded Angels of the OR, which provides grants to assist families with non-covered medical care expenses involving both adult and pediatric neurosurgery. Both programs are in national expansion mode. Carson’s first three books – Gifted Hands, THINK BIG and The Big Picture – provide inspiration and insight for leading a successful life. His fourth book, Take The Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose and Live With Acceptable Risk, was released in early 2008. Carson has been married for more than 30 years to his wife, Candy, and is the father of three sons. His mother, Sonya Carson, who made all this possible, is alive and well.

15 comments:

LisaShaw said...

Thanks Susan. My husband and I are trying to catch this tonight. I knew it was coming on and I'm sure it's going to be wonderful. Thanks for sharing this as it gave me far more information than what I knew of him.

Bless you.

luvmy4sons said...

My sons read the story of his life long ago when they were little...I always found his mother's approach to teaching him inspiring...and often remember it when I waiver and want to give in to them around here while home schooling...the way she insisted her read books etc...It is amazing that you actually know him. We were planning on watching that movie tonight, but couldn't remember what channel it was on. Thanks for the reminder!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

We've had this movie bookmarked for a week now. How wonderful to know your personal connection to the story. Can't wait!

peace~elaine

lori said...

WOW....what a story...We are going to try and catch it too!
How COOL is it that you had the opportunity to connect with this amazing man....

I'm glad I stopped by!
love ya!
lori

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

OK...incredible story. Sitting here with hubby. Just sobbing. Thanks for sharing this moment with me...

peace~elaine

Anonymous said...

His story is such an inspiration!!

I love your blog. It's beautifully laid out and pleasing to the eye. Would you be willing to tell me how you set it up? I especially like your signature!!

Lola
eym4Christ2@aol.com

LisaShaw said...

We really enjoyed it. I'm highlighted him in a message on one of my blogs tomorrow.

Hey Susan, HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Feb. 9th). I remembered when you told me we shared the same day.

Have a BLESSED DAY ON MONDAY and every day! Love ya.

lori said...

I have to TELL you tonight at church we were talking about rebellion....good and bad and one of the girls in my class had WATCHED the special before she came and said that the Dr. was a great example of rebellion...I was FLOORED she'd seen it! HOW COOL!!

Listen, I'll be your mom if you'll be my gram???? THAT could work...I'll create, you cook!:)

Love you!!
lori

Anonymous said...

We had a wonderful time today! The food was delicious, and I am officially STUFFED! Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow.
Soooo looking forward to Sunday. That will be a good diversion to Jason leaving, too. I think the jewelry show is actually a divine appt. set up for me and the exhibitors! =)
Love you, Kristin

Daphine said...

Awesome story! Unfortunately, I didn't watch any TV tonight. I would have loved to see this though!

Unknown said...

I love your site. The detail is beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and (I guess this is the correct word) visit? I tried to find your older post but couldn't find them?
I didn't get to view the tv special, I read about it too late.
I love your spirit, your zest for life. Would love to talk by email...so many questions...

Anonymous said...

Hey Sooze,
February 9th...Wishing you a very happy birthday today. You are so special and I hope you have a TERRIFIC day!
love cyndy

Denise said...

That was an amazing movie...... We almost watched it twice.... It was the most exceptional movie about the power of the words from a mother and the power of God in a man's life.....

Thanks for sharing !

Jennifer said...

I didn't get to see the show, but what an awesome God we serve. God is so good. Yes, this man, is an amazing man. Pretty neat that you have a connection to the story.

Standing Able said...

First time visiting your blog and I love it! What an amazing man Ben Carson is. I watched his story and thought how Humble he appears and to be directed to your blog (by way of Lisa Shaw) and find out that you had the opportunity to connect with him and that he was able to bring healing to Jordan and peace to you and your family. My heart is full of joy for you.

I love the peace and serenity of your blog and I will be back!

Peace and continued blessings!
Stacye