Dear Editor,

The Ben Carson story truly touched my life in July 2002 when I read The Big Picture written by Dr. Carson. with the help of Gregg Lewis, and I am a fan of his as I continue to read his words.

“Success is defined by what I do with every opportunity, every platform I have been given, to positively affect the lives of others. I can only hope and pray that the lessons I have learned can make a difference in my life and in the lives of others. I am writing this book for other people who want to make a difference.*’

Ben Carson was a child who grew up in poverty and so did 1. When the 1929 stock market crash occurred, I was three years old, my dad lost his Santa Fe railroad job and my parents struggled for years to feed us. Times were tough!

Dr. Ben Carson, director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Children’s Center, a position he held since 1984, received worldwide fame in 1987, as the principal surgeon in a 22-hour separation of Binder Siamese twins from Germany-, the first time twins connected at the back of the head were separated with both infants surviving.

As Dr. Carson progressed from medical student to professor of neurological surgery. he was struck by the beauty of the brain and the extraordinary things medicine could do to improve the quality of life. *’I was awed by what an inspired and disciplined mind could accomplish.”

He farther states, “The greatest thing parents, teachers and friends can do, is nourish the potential, enabling each mind to fulfill its promise.”

July 22, 2002, 1 was the Iowa Conference, Spiritual Growth Coordinator of the United Methodist Church when I gave the morning devotions for those attending the four-day School of Christian Mission. I had just read The Big Picture with Ben Carson’s face on the front cover and I eagerly shared the Ben Carson’s story, his school days, the challenges he faced, his recipe for success and his kind words. ‘*If you see somebody struggling, help them. Put yourself in the other person’s place. It is far more valuable thing to develop your God-given talents to the point where you become valuable to the people around you.'”

I have every confidence that Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson has the ability to lead us powerfully into our future. I believe he has what it takes to lead our country in 2016. He has my vote!

Marge Ziskovsky

Toledo