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Troy-Based Hang On to the Dream Foundation Gives Teen Lifeguard With No Arms Voice Controlled Computer

Troy, MI - -  The Troy-based Hang On to the Dream Foundation, currently on a 15-city tour around the United States recognizing young people for their outstanding achievements, recently made a young Omaha girl's dream come true when the organization's founder gave Sable Carfield of McCook, NE a voice compatible laptop computer.  Emmy Award winning TV Host, and Michigan native, Christopher Ewing, who founded the organization, was in Omaha over the weekend hosting the "Hang On to the Dream Music Competition" which was held at Westroads Mall, and read in a local newspaper about the teen recently becoming certified as a lifeguard, despite having no right arm and only a partial left arm.   "I was so touched by Sable's determination," Ewing says,  "that I wanted to invite her and her family to be my guests during the competition where we would present Sable with a special award.  However, after speaking with her mother, I found out that Sable was in desperate need of a laptop computer that works by voice recognition and I knew right away that the organization had to do something to make that happen."  So with the help of one of the managers from a Best Buy store in Omaha, Christopher and the Hang On to the Dream Foundation made the surprise presentation. "This is so wonderful," Sable said, as tears ran down her cheeks. "It is so nice to know that there are people out there who really care.  This is really going to help me do my school work a lot faster.  It's been tough sometimes trying to keep up, but this is really going to make it a whole lot easier."   "Sable is an example to all of us," Ewing says.  "She is a young person who has reached her goal of becoming a certified lifeguard because of her sheer will to succeed, against all odds, despite what others may say is impossible, no matter what.  I applaud her for her hard work and I am very proud to have met her.  Because of her determination, not only will she save lives, she will change lives.  She already has." The young lifeguard, who recently turned 16 and just got her drivers license, says that she plans on continuing to swim and hopes to become a Spanish teacher when she grows up. 

The Hang On to the Dream Foundation is a national 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that helps kids reach their goals in life.  Those who would like to make a tax deductible donation, or to nominate a young person who needs help with their dream, can go to www.hangontothedream.com.

TV NEWS FOOTAGE:

RELATED NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
Sable Gift Story, Omaha World Herald
Original Sable Story, Omaha World Herald/AP

PHOTOS

Sable (center) with Hang On to the Dream Foundation founder Christopher Ewing (right) and Best Buy of Omaha store manager Cindi Horning (left) who helped make the presentation of a
backpack with a voice compatible laptop computer inside.
(Photo credit: Jim Ferguson, Hang On to the Dream Foundation staff photographer)

Sable choking back tears, with Christopher, following the presentation
(Photo credit: James R. Burnett, Omaha World Herald)

Sable during lifesaving class
(Photo credit:  AP)

About "Hang On to the Dream Foundation"

The Hang On to the Dream Foundation is a national, 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded by Emmy Award winning actor and TV host Christopher Ewing following the success of a series of children's television specials he created called "Hang On to the Dream". On the show, kids 12-18 years of age from all races and backgrounds, are featured because of their outstanding skills, achievements or triumph over tragedy.   Then, in a one-of-a-kind television format, Christopher surprises those kids at school, at home, etc. and gives them "things"; from needed items or equipment to money, that will help them to continue to succeed in their dreams.  In 1995, the year the show originally premiered, "Hang On to the Dream" was presented with the prestigious regional Emmy Award for "Best Children's & Youth Program".  That same year, the National Association of Broadcasters presented Christopher and "Hang On to the Dream"  with the "Service to Children Television Award" at a black tie reception held on Capitol Hill, where the NAB named "Hang On to the Dream" one of the Top-10 kid's shows on television, out of over 200 shows judged from around the country.   Because of the increasingly negative content available on television for children to watch,  "Hang On to the Dream" has begun shooting new episodes for possible syndication in the coming year.  Currently The Hang On to the Dream Foundation is on a 15-city nationwide tour recognizing kids who are considered positive role models for other kids by presenting them with needed items, opportunities and money for their good work. The Hang On to the Dream Foundation has helped kids from across the country reach their goals in all areas of the arts, sports and entertainment and it is solely supported by contributions from the public.  Those wishing to make a donation to The Hang On to the Dream Foundation can do so by visiting www.hangontothedream.com.