I spoke at the juvenile detention summit at Phoenix college, here in Yuma.  It is a once a year but mandatory conference for kids ages 14-17 who are on intensive probation for various criminal deeds.   Carolyn Pendergast's friend Charlie Huebner arranged for me to speak.  Charlie is one of eight U.S. Olympic committee chiefs.  He is in charge of the entire paralympic division.  He could not hold a more distinguished and important place in the Olympic community.  In spite of his position Charlie is incredibly humble and thoughtful.  He outfitted me with fresh U.S. paralympic apparel  and paid for three nights at the Homewood Suites while I make my way through Yuma.  Thank you Charlie! After my talk Marlon Shirley took the stage.  Marlon and Charlie work closely together.  Marlon was abandoned by his mother at age three.  He managed to survive by living on the streets of Las Vegas.  He eventually found his way into foster care but at the age of five lost his left foot in a lawn mower accident.  Several years later a high school football injury resulted in the further amputation of the lower section of the same leg.  Marlon overcame all of this and more to go on to win two gold medals in the paralympic games.  He owns the world record in the 100 Meter dash and has earned the designation as the only amputee to break the 11-second barrier in the 100.  Additionally he won the US paralympic spirit award, the silver medal in the high jump in Sydney, two ESPY awards and numerous other awards and sponsorships.  He was on all McDonald's packaging last year. The 97 teenagers hung on his every word.  He was someone they could all relate to.  He vowed never to let his past hardships be an excuse to fail.  It was a huge honor to listen to Marlon address these kids.  The morning was filled with additional speakers who went through some of the most horrific situations imaginable as young children but managed to fight their way back from near death and abandonment to help others.  We heard from girls who overdosed on heroin multiple times by the age of 9 and were victims of rape and severe sexual abuse.   The stories were jaw dropping.   The fact that these speakers had the courage to return from the absolute darkness to help other kids who may have had similar experiences was incredibly moving and inspirational.  I don't think I have ever been in a room with more heroic and courageous people. I walked ten miles with Charlie's brother Pat and  I spent  the evening at the Yuma Relay for Life with Pat, his mother Sally, his sister Jody and Jody's daughter Tia. I will write about them all tomorrow--an amazing family!