SERVICE (VOLUNTARY OR PAID)

HONOR /AWARD

UNIQUE COMMITMENT TO OTHERS AND/OR OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

One situation describes Carolyn Gumbel's unique commitment to others and overcoming adversity. When Carolyn was three years old her father was paralyzed when diving into a swimming pool and broke his neck. Carolyn and the entire family were present at the time of the incident. Her father's mobility was taken away right before her very eyes. Because of this accident, Carolyn did not get to experience the normal Father/daughter relationship that a lot of people do. Her father was not able to teach her to play basketball or hold her. In high school there are many special events that require a "father's" participation and Carolyn's dad has been right there. He has not let his quadriplegic illness keep him from being "all the DAD, that he can be"! Carolyn is very proud to be of age to help her grandparents take care of him. She is proud to give him his medication or put his earphones on for him, or cover him up when he gets cold. You see, "It is the little" things that keep their father/daughter relationship alive. She states, "Truly, I have never thought of my father's handicap as an adversity, I am just lucky he is here."

Back to front page