President George Bush presented the world’s leading pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson, 56, director of Pediatric neurosurgery, John Hopkins Hospital, with the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Carson has worked for the hospital for 33 consecutive years.
Here is what the plaque reads:: “Dr. Benjamin Carson is a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery, and his life is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and faith. His groundbreaking contributions to medicine provide hope for people suffering neurological disorders, and his tireless outreach to America’s youth underscores the importance of academic achievement and humanitarian service. The United States honors Benjamin Carson for his skill, his vision, and his dedication to motivating others to strive for excellence.”The president said his story began ”in a poor neighborhood in the heart of Detroit” where ”many young people lost themselves to poverty and crime and violence” and ”young Ben Carson was headed down that same path” for a time.
Dr. Carson came from humble beginnings in a poor neighbourhood in Detroit city. President Bush credits his single mother, Sonya Carson, who had a hard life having married at 13 and then left to raise two boys by herself. She placed high premium on education and enrolled her boys in the library. Each week they had to check out a number of books and write reports which she promised to check.
They never knew until they were adults that their mother could not read the words they were reading in the book. Dr. Carson is a credit to his race and to the United States of America and to single mothers all over the world. Congratulations, Doctor.
1 Comment
September 22, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I have read Dr.Carson’s Books;Gifted Hands & Think Big. I just can’t find words to express my acknowledgement towards this nice person.I can just say that Benjamin Carson is my hero,I always relate his stories to any of my friends who are down haearted. I am going to become a doctor.After reading his books, I can say that am discovering my own future.
My goal in life besides becoming a doctor is that I have to meet Dr.Ben.C and take our pictures together….I am from Vanuatu and I want Vanuatu to also have people like Dr.Ben.C