Epilepsy Outreach News

People All Stars Among Us: Our All Stars Adventure

July 23, 2009

By Tracy Leyden

On July 14, 2009 Erin Leyden, founder of the American Epilepsy Outreach Foundation, along with 29 other extraordinary people were honored as “All Stars Among Us” by People magazine and Major League Baseball at the 2009 All Star Game in St. Louis.  These individuals were selected to represent their MLB teams for having “made incredible contributions to their communities.”

Since returning from this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Erin and I have realized that this trip had very little to do about a baseball game, that was just the platform.  When Erin and I left Chicago neither of us expected the range of emotions that would overcome us. Together and individually we laughed, we cried, we rejoiced and became fast friends with dozens of people in a matter of days. Because all of the thirty heroes that People magazine and Major League Baseball chose for this honor have the same drive and selflessness it was easy to befriend them and their guests.  These All Stars Among Us were representing their passion, whether it was an organization helping families with medical crises or sending care packages to our troops. This was a journey they chose or in some instances had been chosen for them. Many of the organizations fill a need in their community, but never call it work. For many, tragedy forced them into action.  Most didn’t expect to win this honor, but all deserved to.

As Erin’s sister, I could not have been more proud to see her and the rest of the “All Stars” receive a standing ovation from Busch Stadium for their contributions and sacrifices.  I have to say the reception was heartwarming and still gives me blurry eyes and goose bumps! 

If you were not lucky enough to see it live, please browse the links below of articles and videos of the pre-game ceremony honoring the “All Stars Among Us.”

mlb.com: Presidents speak to fans about heros 

msnbc.com: Sebelius, McConnell, roundtable

mlb.com: Presidents to honor 'All-Stars Amount Us'

suntimes.com: Health News...Epilepsy: 'People don't talk about it'

To get involved in your community and to see a complete list of all 30 All Star Among Us Finalists and their cause visit:  http://mlbgobeyond.mlb.com/gb/

 

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