Over 150 students from all seven Shelby County High Schools and Project Search had the opportunity to come together for a back to school YAiT meeting at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama. We were inspired and entertained by our special guest speakers HK Derryberry and Mr. Jim Bradford. They have made more than 175 appearances and shared their incredible story with more than 40,000 people since 2012.
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Laura Partain & Carrie Redice invite HK & Jim
to be honorary YAiT members.
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They have been featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, This Morning Show in London, and a part of Tragedy into Triumph, a 4-day live event with NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
Their amazing story, The Awakening of HK Derryberry, is available to purchase online and in bookstores as well. To find out more about HK & Jim's incredible life journey; follow HKDerryberry on Facebook; or go to their web site http://hkderryberry.com.
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| Click HERE to see event photo album. |
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that HK is one of only five or six people in the world with a medical diagnosis of hyperthymesia, otherwise known as Superior Autobiographical Memory. He has the ability to remember every event including time and place that’s occurred to him since he was 3½ years old. Researchers are optimistic that studies on HK’s brain may one day lead to a breakthrough for people suffering memory loss. Several of the students were asked to give their birthdates while HK gave the day they were born and information about events that happened on that day in history. Their amazing true story and HK’s triumph over insurmountable odds is an motional rollercoaster for all audiences. HK’s life is constant reminder to us all that everyone can accomplish anything in life if they always keep a positive attitude, define their personal goals, have fun, work hard, and never give up. He frequently tells his listeners “the only disability any of us have in life is a negative attitude”.
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| Click HERE to see event photo album. |
HK “sees” every day as a new opportunity to touch someone’s life. He never allows his physical disabilities to become a permanent handicap or excuse. He is an accomplished equestrian, snow skier, boat captain, and inspirational and motivational speaker. With some assistance, he has even piloted an airplane.
After the great message,the students were able to take group tours of American Village.
An incredible lunch from Southern Sweets provided by the ACDD*
was a great ending to a truly a wonderful day!
*"The contents of this product were developed under a grant from the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (ACDD). However, these contents do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Council."
