A tale of two Scouts – in Ohio

I often receive notes and news coverage about the accomplishments of many of our Scouts who have disabilities and how they have overcome those challenges to lead wonderful and rewarding lives. Here are two such accounts that I think you will find inspiring. I know I did.

Dylan Gargasz is a 17-year-old Eagle Scout candidate, part of Troop 397 in Lorain, Ohio. Judging by his list of accomplishments during his young life, you would never think he lives with health risks caused by a primary immune deficiency disorder.  He has rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. He’s at a high risk for some cancers and lives with a thyroid and Vitamin D deficiency.

Yet Dylan casts most of these concerns aside, saying he wants to live a full and happy life, rather than a coddled existence. He attends school, participates in Boy Scouts, and sings on tour with a local choir, even though he’s been advised not to.  He’s organized service projects to help the Ronald McDonald House, which housed his family during his treatments and hospital stays because, he says, it’s important to him to “help people that helped me.”

Travel now to another part of Ohio to the town of Riverside, home of 13-year-old Alex Hilgeford.  At the age of three, Alex lost a leg due to Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting the development of skin.

Alex was not discouraged. He now excels in wheelchair basketball, recently making second team all-tournament at the Midwest Conference Championship in Milwaukee this year, as well as joining his team to place fifth at the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

Alex credits his family – and Scouting – for the strength to overcome his disability.

Two great kids leading two very challenging lives. Two who credit Scouting for their positive outlook on life. And they live just three hours apart.

Scouting’s life-changing experiences certainly made an impact on both of these young men. They help us realize how the real essence of Scouting lies not in the programs, but the outcomes – which are achieved through the methods of Scouting.

The perseverance of these two is proof positive that Scouting’s values help America’s youth be Prepared. For Life.

I urge all of you to provide special needs and disabled Scouts with the support necessary to develop positive outlooks on life, such as those shared by Dylan and Alex. The life rewards for these kids is huge; the reward for us is in their smiles.

Thanks, Wayne