Celebrity Corner
Many celebrities can identify with the need for adults and youths to spend meaningful time with each other. Whether these celebrities are giving their time to a young person or acknowledging those who have helped them along the way, they all recognize the impact a caring adult has on a child. The following celebrities tell how a compassionate adult has influenced their lives.
I talk all the time about my mom and what a strong person she's been in my life.
But there's someone else behind the scenes that has also played a significant
role. His name is Mr. Robert Gallagher. Everyone calls him Bob. I don't talk
too much about him, because it's private, but he's been a real inspiration to
me since I was about 11 years old. He's always in the background, always just
a great cheerleader and supporter. He has inspired me to start my own charity,
to work with kids and to touch other lives the way he's touched mine.
Swin Cash, Professional Basketball Player
Even though it was hard, even though we sacrificed a lot and put up with a lot, my parents knew how much I loved it [skating] and were willing to make those sacrifices. I have such a different outlook on it now, and we can joke about it, but I hope when I get around to having kids I can be like my mom. She gave up her life for my childhood dream, but in a good way, and she tried to do it on her own terms. She wouldn't let skating rule our lives.
Tara Lipinski, Olympic Figure Skater
All of my uncles wrestled and I really loved it. I had two coaches at the Chula Vista Boys Club, Coach Ruiz and Coach Stone. They taught me how to be mentally tough, physically tough, and focused, which is what the sport demands. These guys taught me how to wrestle and they taught me a lot about life in general – about keeping your nose clean and focusing on school. That was a top priority, doing well in school, especially where I grew up.
Mario Lopez, Actor
*Excerpts from Denzel Washington's "A Hand to Guide Me."
