Breaking barriers. It takes just one.

Today in the baseball world, one brave man is celebrated.  That man, Jackie Robinson, broke the color barrier and became the first black man to play in major league baseball.  An amazingly brave man, or just a man out to play the game he loved, Jackie Robinson is a hero in my mind.  How the world would be a different place today without him.

Apr 15, 1947:

Jackie Robinson breaks major league color barrier

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American in the major leagues when he plays his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born into a family of sharecroppers on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He attended UCLA, where he became the first athlete to letter in four varsity sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1944 and was honorably discharged after facing insubordination charges for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus.

After leaving the military, Robinson played shortstop for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro League. In 1945, he was recruited by Dodgers president and general manager Branch Rickey, who was determined to end the unwritten segregation rule in the majors. In 1946, Robinson joined the Dodgers’ farm team, the Montreal Royals, and went on to lead the league in batting. On April 15, 1947, 28-year-old Jackie Robinson made his Major League Baseball debut with the Dodgers, against the Boston Braves, in front of more than 25,000 spectators at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. Robinson played first base and went zero for three at the plate.

During his first season in the majors, Robinson encountered racism from opposing teams and fans, as well as some of his own teammates. However, the abuse didn’t affect his performance on the baseball field. Robinson played in 151 games, hit .297, stole more bases than anyone else in the National League and was awarded the first-ever Rookie of the Year title. In 1949, Robinson, who had switched to playing second base, was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player. The next year he became the Dodgers’ highest paid player, earning a salary of $35,000. In 1955, Robinson helped the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees to win the World Series. He retired from baseball after playing his last game on October 10, 1956, with a career batting average of .311, 1,518 hits and 137 home runs.

After leaving baseball, Robinson worked as a business executive and continued his involvement in civil rights causes. On October 24, 1972, he died at age 53 from heart problems and complications related to diabetes. Robinson became the first African-American inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his historic first game in the majors, Robinson’s uniform number--42--was retired by Major League Baseball.

As a parent of a child with special needs, I would love to see our children accepted into society the way Jackie Robinson finally accepted Jackie Robinson.  It was a LONG HARD road for Jackie and those that supported Jackie.  I guess this road is the road taken by us parents of a child with a special need, since our children need to be part of today;s world and a active participant in the society in which they live.

Jackie Robinson, I salute you.

Be gentle.

These young men are heroes.

These three young men need to take a bow.  They are my heroes.  What a special gift they gave to a fellow high school student.

Tennessee Homecoming King Nominees Give Crown to Another Teen

By CHRISTINA NG | Good Morning America – 21 hours ago

Three Tennessee homecoming king nominees made a unanimous and touching decision that no matter who won, they would give the crown to a beloved student with a genetic condition.

Students Jesse Cooper, Drew Gibbs and Zeke Grissom were all nominated for homecoming king at Community High School's basketball homecoming ceremony.

The teens got together and decided that the winner would turn over the honor to junior Scotty Maloney, who has Williams Syndrome, a neurological disorder that inhibits learning and speech.

"I've been blessed with so many things," Cooper told ABC News' Nashville affiliate WKRN-TV. "I just wanted Scotty to experience something great in his high school days."

"He's always happy, so he deserves some recognition for who he is," Gibbs said.

Cooper won the popular vote for king, but when the official announcement was made at a Friday ceremony, the principal told the crowd what the nominees had decided to do.

"When they called [Scotty's] name, his eyes got really big and I don't know that he registered exactly what was happening. He knew something was," Maloney's teacher Liz Hestle Gassaway told ABCNews.com. "It was very, very emotional."

The crowd erupted with cheers and Maloney got a long standing ovation, WKRN reported, as he was awarded his "King" medal.

"It was just a ton of emotion from everybody," Grissom told WKRN. "I think I saw Scotty shed a few tears. I know Jesse was pretty emotional. We were all emotional out there on the court."

Maloney is a beloved teen in his school and in the community, Gassaway said.

"Scotty is fabulous. He is a superstar. He knows everybody. There's not one person that Scotty does not know," she said. "To know him and meet him is to love him."

Gassaway believes that the nearly 500-student school in Unionville, Tenn., is "one of the best schools in the world when it comes to dealing with special needs children."

Students like Cooper help out in special needs gym classes and other activities. Gassaway said the boys' gesture toward Maloney sent a greater message.

"We want people to have more empathy towards people, not be scared of people with disabilities," she said. "We want them to embrace them, more like the boys did."

Next year Maloney will get to crown the school's new homecoming king. But for now, he is proudly sporting his medal everywhere he goes.

"He's been wearing his medal around," Gassaway said with a laugh. "He is not here today because he had a doctor's appointment, but I'm sure he has his medal on."

Be gentle.

Karen Gaffney, one of my heroes

I had the honor to meet Karen Gaffney and her father when Davey and Will were five weeks old at a conference.  I was a new parent with five week old twins.  David and I attended the conference at the invitation of our local Down Syndrome group in Reno. It was our first real experience meeting people and families with children who have special needs.  Karen Gaffney and her father were two of the speakers at the conference.  David, the boys and I ran into Karen and her dad in the elevator after hearing her speak.  I think it was one of the first times I had spoken to a person with Down Syndrome.

Here is a little bit about Karen Gaffney and the foundation that she and her family have created.

Th

The Karen Gaffney Foundation is a non profit organization that is dedicated to championing the journey to full inclusion in families, schools, communities and the workplace for people with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities. Through a series of personal appearances, motivating speeches, video tapes and resource materials Karen Gaffney, a young woman with Down syndrome, and others like her will...Instill renewed hope for a full productive and inclusive life in the hearts and minds of new parents of a child born with Down syndrome or other learning disability.

Motivate parents to new thinking and positive action so they will begin immediately building the potential of their child day by day;

Heighten awareness and raise expectations of students, counselors, educators and those in the medical profession of the capabilities of children with Down syndrome to learn, grow and contribute in an inclusive setting;

Promote community involvement and action for the support of people with disabilities.

How did it all start?

Getting started on a non-profit organization that is focused on the vast POTENTIAL of our family members born with Down syndrome was the brainchild of Dr. Jean Edwards, Professor Emeritus, from Portland State University.

We were fortunate to meet up with Jean early on in Karen’s preschool years. She was a tremendous advocate for early intervention and inclusion in a regular classroom setting as much as possible. Her theme was “readiness”. What do we need to do to get our children ready for inclusion at whatever phase of life is upon us.

Jean Edwards was a mentor to us as we navigated our way through her early education years. When Karen was attending high school at St. Mary’s Academy in downtown Portland, she was a few blocks from the Portland State University Campus. Jean regularly included Karen as a guest speaker when she was teaching students a curriculum dealing with the “Exceptional Learner”.

When Karen was a senior in high school, she had to complete a “senior project” that required teaming up with a member of the community. Jean and Karen collaborated on a project with the goal to bring positive information to families, friends and educators about the potential for children born with Down syndrome. Through the course of the project, they designed and developed the video, “Journey of a Lifetime, Beginning with the End in Mind”. In addition to the video, they teamed up to form the non-profit organization to continue the effort that started with Karen’s senior project.

Karen’s non profit, the Karen Gaffney Foundation is entirely funded by honorariums she receives for her speaking engagements, video sales, contributions from others and grants. Karen takes no payment personally for her work. Any money she receives goes into the foundation to help fund her work.

Karen Gaffney competes in open water swimming.  She is known world wide for her talent as an open water swimmer.

Now, Karen is being nominated for an honor.  And you have the chance to support her.

2012 WOWSA Woman of the Year Nominees The 2012 WOWSA Woman of the Year nominees are (listed in alphabetical order of their first name): 1. Ana Marcela Cunha (Brazil), World Professional Marathon Champion 2. Anna-Carin Nordin (Sweden), Oceans Seven Swimmer 3. Annaleise Carr (Canada), Young Marathon Swimmer 4. Catherine Vogt (USA), Dual Olympic Coach 5. Diana Nyad (USA), Xtreme Dreamer 6. Esther Nuñez Morera (Spain), Professional Marathon Swimming Champion 7. Grace van der Byl (USA), Marathon Record Breaker 8. Janel Jorgensen McArdle (USA), Swim Across America President 9. Julia Washbourne (Hong Kong), Eco-Swimming Aquapreneur 10. Karen Gaffney (USA), Swimming Philanthropist 11. Keri-Anne Payne (Great Britain), British Open Water Icon 12. Pat Gallant-Charette (USA), Channel Swimming Late Bloomer 13. Risztov Éva (Hungary), Olympic Champion 14. Shelley Taylor-Smith (Australia), Pioneering Administrator 15. Tina Neill (USA), San Clemente Channel Swimmer

Click this LINK to vote for Karen.

Be gentle.

One of my heroes writes a monthly column for the National Down Syndrome Society Newsletter.  I love reading his words and seeing the wonderful photos he posts.

Straight Talk with Chris Burke

NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke is best known for his role as Corky Thacher on the hit ABC show "Life Goes On." Chris works in the NDSS office, where he is a member of the staff. In this monthly column, Chris offers advice and perspective to fellow self-advocates.

Here is his December.

Happy Holidays

I would like to wish all of you happy holidays, seasons greetings, and a happy new year! I just can’t believe it is finally here. Time flies by when you’re having fun. I have the feeling that 2013 is going to be a great year and I can’t wait.

I am very lucky to have my parents, family, relatives, and friends to share the holiday season with. I love spending time with my parents and my family and this year I will be celebrating with my sisters, Ellen and Anne, and my brother, J.R. It’s always good to see them. 

This is the time to remember being together and being there for each other. It is also the time to be thankful for the good things in our life. 

We should always try to support and encourage others who are in need our help, especially during the holidays. We should donate clothing, food and drinks, and our time to help others whenever possible.

Happy holidays and have a great new year!

Be gentle.

One of my heroes is at it again! Jane Lynch rocks!

Are you a fan of Glee?  I am!  This show celebrates diversity and has brought many topics into mainstream conversations.  Jane Lynch, one of my heroes supports those who rock their extra chromosome.  And her support is continuing into fourth season as "Sue Sylvester".  Do you watch Glee?  Are you a fan?  If not, but you are an advocate of Down Syndrome, you may want to check this show out.

'Glee's' Jane Lynch Reveals Who She'd Like to Play Sue Sylvester's Baby Daddy

At the end of season three, the track-suit-wearing cheerleading coach was pregnant with a baby, whom she claimed had a mysterious celebrity father.

As The Hollywood Reporter reported, when the show returns for season four in September, Sue will have already had her baby.

"She's now Sue with a baby and a different set of priorities but still can't help but make fun of everyone as often as possible," executive producer Ian Brennan said during Glee's panel at Comic-Con.

Will being a new mother change her?

“I think the thing is, Sue Sylvester is pretty set in stone with who she is,” Lynch told THR. “She’s your best friend and your worst enemy.  When she has something to fight for, she’s never better.”

Lynch spoke to THR before Comedy Central’s roast of Roseanne Barr, which filmed in Hollywood on Saturday, Aug. 4. Lynch served as Roast Master for the annual event, which featured roasters Ellen Barkin, Katey Sagal, Seth Green and Jeffrey Ross.

Lynch says that being a mother to a child will make the already fierce character “like a momma grizzly bear.”

When it comes to who could be the celebrity father of Sue’s baby, executive producers saidthis news would be revealed in the first half of season four, and promised that it would be quite funny.

VIDEO: 'Glee's' Darren Criss on Klaine's Future, Plus the Couple's Deleted Christmas Scene

“Who Sue Sylvester thinks is a celebrity and who the rest of the world thinks is a celebrity – you never know – it could be Rod Remington,” Lynch said, referring to the local newscaster on the show (played by Bill A. Jones).

When THR asked Lynch who she would like the father to be if she could choose, Lynch was quick to throw out the name of an English actor.

“Why would I like to work with? Oh, Hugh Dancy. Why not?” she said, referring to the 37-year-old actor whose real-life wife Claire Danes is pregnant with their first child.

Unfortunately for Lynch, Dancy is probably too busy filming NBC's new show, Hannibal, in which he plays an FBI profiler. The show is an adaptation of Thomas Harris' 1981 novel Red Dragon.

Glee's fourth season premieres in its new night and time slot on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 9 p.m.

Be gentle.

Paying it forward to the Down Syndrome Community

When a parent enters the Down Syndrome community, it usually is not by choice.  But usually that parent, or parent to be is welcomed with open, loving arms.  They are gently guided and educated into the community.    Here is a super story about a dad giving back to one of the organizations that helped his family when his beautiful daughter was born.  He is paying it forward to the organization that has helped him.

Please read on to learn more about his DS hero and advocate, Steve Hawley.

Florence man runs for group that helped his family

By BOB DUNN STAFF WRITER

After about eight years of receiving advice, education, and support from the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, Steve Hawley decided it was time to pay it back, one step at a time for seven miles.

Hawley, 45, will be running in the 40th annual New Balance Falmouth road race Aug. 13 to raise money for the organization that has helped him and his family raise a daughter with Down syndrome.

"How could I not?" Hawley asked.

Hawley said that about a year after his daughter Alice was born he attended his first Down syndrome conference in Worcester and the organization has been helping him, his wife Evie, and Alice's younger brother, Stuart, navigate the intricacies of raising a child with special needs.

Hawley said that the organization has provided information about the disease itself as well as information about diet, what expectations to set and when to back off, how to help Alice, now 9, interact with Stuart, and more.

Hawley said Alice's gross motor skills are poor, so she doesn't come with him during his three-times-a-week training sessions, but is still excited about the upcoming race.

"She understands that Daddy is running," he said.

Hawley said that he's been doing interval training, running ¾ of a mile and walking ¼ mile trying to build up his endurance for the seven-mile race in the middle of August.

"My goal is to finish," he said.

He's been getting advice and training tips from some of his co-workers, three of whom are advanced runners.

The sometimes excessive heat so far this spring and summer have made training more grueling than he expected, but has maintained his schedule and expects to be ready by race day.

Part of that preparation involved a trip to his wife's native Falmouth, to check out the course beforehand to avoid as many surprises as possible.

About a mile into the course is an uphill climb toward a lighthouse and about ¾ of the race's final mile is all uphill, before sloping downward for the race's final stretch.

Hawley said that he expected to raise about $1000, but in his heart was hoping that he might reach $2000, a goal he just surpassed last week with almost a month left to go before race day.

A link to Hawley's donation page can be found on his blog at www.plinth.org/wordpress along with a journal he writes about his experiences with Alice and his family, and advice for others who have loved ones with Down Syndrome.

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Local woman honored

Cathy Wanat, of Florence, Dave Slowick, of Huntington, and Tony Kurpaska, of Pelham were among 21 members of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists honored by Governor Deval Patrick for their efforts during the June 2011 tornadoes that touched down in Western Massachusetts.

The group was presented with the 2012 Manuel Carballo Award for Excellence, the state's highest honor for its employees and named after the former Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The honorees were part of the state's Tornado Response Team, assisting communities with hazardous material clean-up, debris removal, restoring drinking and wastewater infrastructure and helping the Federal Emergency Management Administration to evaluate the scope of the damage.

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Annual Bible camp coming up

The greater Northampton Cooperative Vacation Bible School announced its 2012 session will be running from July 23-27.

The school will meet at the Florence Congregational Church at 130 Pine St. from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is open to children starting at age 4 and up to those entering fifth grade in the fall. The cost is $15 per child.

The church invites those above the age limit to attend the school as students up to senior citizens to consider donating their time as volunteers. For more information, call 413-584-1325.

Bob Dunn writes a regular column about Florence. Submit items to bdunn@gazettenet.com.

Be gentle.

Special Olympics Northern California State Championships Opening Ceremony

Last night was the 2012 Summer Games Special Olympics Northern Nevada State Championship Opening Ceremony.  Whew, say that in one breath.  LOL.

Here are a few pictures from last night.  Can't wait to watch the competition.

If you get a chance, check out the web site for Northern California Special Olympics HERE.

Be gentle.

A company that makes a difference

My hero!  A company making a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.  Thank you.  You rock American Diagnostic Corporation.

Its about ability... not disability.

For nearly a quarter of a century, ADC has made it part of our mission to employ the intellectually disabled.

It all started in 1987. The Long Island job market was bustling. We were in our infancy and struggling to find capable production staff. One day, a young man showed up at our door. He had a note with him that read “My name is Glen. I’m disabled and need a job”. He had ridden his bike 7 miles to get to our facility, then in West Babylon.

Although ambivalent about the likelihood for success we took a chance on Glen and never looked back. Today we employ a dozen individuals with intellectual disabilities in positions ranging from maintenance to shipping; production to quality control. AHRC’s Supported Work Program helped select, train and even manage the hires. Marc Blitstein, ADC’s CEO sits on the board of AHRC (Suffolk chapter) - one of the largest NY agencies serving this population. Over the past 20 years ADC has raised and donated well over $250,000 to their programs. But more importantly, over that period we have employed dozens and demonstrated that it really is about ABILITY.

To commemorate the Silver Anniversary of our work with the intellectually disabled we have developed this symbol of our involvement. Most of our products will feature the decal above prominently displayed. We will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of EVERY product bearing this sticker to the AHRC (Suffolk Chapter) to help them continue to provide programs to the 2000 individuals and families that they serve. If you would like to learn more about AHRC click the link... http://www.ahrcsuffolk.org.

Be gentle.

Hero Jane Lynch!

Meet another one of my heroes.  Jane Lynch.  You may know her from the hit series "Glee"?  Great show that celebrates being different.  But Jane Lynch is also an advocate for people with Down Syndrome.  The National Down Syndrome Society recently honored Jane Lynch for her support and also her support of the End the R-Word campaign.  Click HERE to learn more about Ending the R-Word campaign.

Thank you Jane!

Jane Lynch Honored By The National Down Syndrome Society

by Victoria Garcia

Contributing Writer

On Jun 07, 2012

Comedian Jane Lynch is a woman who fights for what she believes in. She's known for fighting for the LGBT community and supports President Obama’s endorsement of gay marriage. However, this is not the only cause that Lynch supports.

This week Lynch was honored at the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Annual Spring Luncheon. The event was hosted to celebrate people with Down syndrome and those who support them. Actor Chris Burke, known for his work on the ABC show Life Goes On, was also in attendance. NDSS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Similarly to her character Sue Sylvester on Glee, Lynch has shown support for down syndrome before and is a proud supporter of the campaign ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’. If you are unfamiliar with this powerful campaign, its main goal is to stop the everyday use of the word ‘retard’.

During the Wednesday luncheon that took place in New York City, Glee star Lauren Potter, who plays Becky on the show, also made an appearance by filming a video with Lynch in support of the campaign. Potter was unable to attend the luncheon but congratulated Lynch via video message. "The world would be a better place if more people saw beauty the way you do, and chose to recognize abilities, rather than disabilities," she said.

Be gentle.

Leader of the Pack

LEADER OF THE PACK web series the hit high school comedy with GLEE star Lauren Potter about a charming white boy who happens to have Down syndrome and pursues a pretty black girl out to save the planet while he remains blind to the love of the adorable girl next door.

Have you checked out the web series "Leader of the Pack" lately.  It stars one of my heroes Lauren Potter.  Last time I checked in with this series, I had only seen the first webisode.  Now they have three, with three more in the works.  They also have a cool place to get your "Leader of the Pack" mugs, shirts and hats.  They even have a fun Facebook page.  Click HERE to become a fan of this great show.

The Story so far ... Blake has brushed off Jenny and rode away with Joey to show him Denise, Mika and Tiffany. A twist of fate puts Denise and Blake together at the lake much to the chagrin of Derek. Blake escapes a beating. He and Joey and sneak back into the Center with the help of Jenny. As Blake and his mom drive off at end of day questions arise: Will Blake be exposed? Does he really stand a chance with Denise? Will jenny ever get to show Blake how she truly feels?

And guess what, they now are 503c so you can make tax deductible donations to keep this great series going.  Click HERE to make a donation.

Take a few minutes, kick off your shoes and enjoy this fun series!

Be gentle.

Foundation to expand. Hero to many helps kids with Down Syndrome

Yes, I admit it.  I am a baseball junkie.  I talked before about the Pujos family and their foundation to assist those with Down Syndrome.  What a great organization.  Albert Pujos is one of my heroes.  Not only is one of the game's best players, he give our his heart, time and money to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome.  Pujos joined a new baseball team this season, the LA Angels and is expanding his foundation.  Way cool!

My little baseball player

Read on about the Pujos Foundation and their expanding good works.

• SCHOLAR ATHLETES 
• JULIE TRISTAN 
• MICHAEL BROCKERS 
• CINCO DE MAYO 
• STORM UPDATES 
• STORM PHOTOS 
• MOTHER/DAUGHTER 
• E-EDITION

Home / Lifestyles / Health, Medicine & Fitness / Fitness

Pujols to expand St. Louis-based nonprofit to three other states

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/fitness/pujols-to-expand-st-louis-based-nonprofit-to-three-other/article_6b66ecb6-707d-59de-8e23-fba432917f70.html#ixzz1tiTIIq5R 

People with Down syndrome who live in Kansas City, Nashville, Tenn., and Southern California could soon be dancing with Albert Pujols, whose charity announced plans Monday to expand beyond its St. Louis base.

The nonprofit Pujols Family Foundation hosts an annual prom, fishing trips and other events for area children and adults with the developmental disability. The foundation will maintain its headquarters at Westport Plaza and continue to hold events in St. Louis, where Pujols spent 11 seasons with the Cardinals before signing with the Los Angeles Angels in December.

Albert and Deidre Pujols always intended to take the charity nationwide, but the effort gained momentum last year after a "60 Minutes" piece on the ballplayer featured the charity's events, said Todd Perry, the foundation's executive director.

"We were getting calls and letters and email from all over the country, and we really saw the need to start looking at more of a national-type vision," Perry said. "It's never been about baseball. It's really never been about Albert. It's always been about families, communities and the work that we do."

The foundation was founded seven years ago in honor of the Pujolses' 14-year-old daughter, Bella, who has Down syndrome.

In addition to the events for people with Down syndrome, the foundation also funds anti-poverty, medical and youth baseball programs in Albert Pujols' native Dominican Republic.

The charity held 40 events in St. Louis last year and is on track to do the same in 2012, although Pujols will make fewer appearances, Perry said.

Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday will step in as host of the annual celebrity golf tournament in August at the Country Club of St. Albans.

He said that although it would be nice to have Pujols at the event, Holliday and some other Cardinals would golf in his place.

"It will still be a very enjoyable event," Holliday said.

Holliday said he and his wife, Leslee, were close friends with Albert and Deidre Pujols and shared their Christian and family values. He played in the foundation's basketball game last year and has participated in the annual golf tournaments.

"All the things the Pujols foundation stands for, family and kids and doing things for kids, is what Leslee and our family stands for," he said. "We got an opportunity to represent Jesus and the foundation ... that was the big draw for us."

The expansion sites for the foundation were based on the Pujols family's connections to the areas and the local needs.

When Pujols' deal with the Angels was reached last year, the foundation started getting calls from California asking when they would set up operations there. Talks have already begun about the foundation's plans, said Kellie Perez, senior director of the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.

Kansas City, Deidre Pujols' hometown, is where the couple met. And the foundation had already been working with a Down syndrome organization in Nashville, where a prom and bike camp were held last year.

Within five years, 10 cities could be included in the charity's reach, Perry said. But at least for now, St. Louis is home. The Pujols family announced through the foundation last month that they had no plans to sell their home in Wildwood.

"I think Albert will spend a lot of his off-season in St. Louis and doing events," Holliday said. "They're not quitting on these families here. Nothing has really changed other than Albert plays for the Angels now."

The foundation, which reported $1 million in contributions in 2010, has not seen a drop-off in donations or sponsors since Pujols left the Cardinals, Perry said.

"The fact that he plays baseball in St. Louis or Anaheim or somewhere else hasn't made that big of a difference in our core supporters."

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/fitness/pujols-to-expand-st-louis-based-nonprofit-to-three-other/article_6b66ecb6-707d-59de-8e23-fba432917f70.html#ixzz1tiTCrPQF

Be gentle.