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24 • The Optimist

“My reason for becoming an Optimist is not only because as a child, my parents, grandparents and uncle were Members, but when I had my son in 1989, he was born with cancer. He also had physical disabilities, such as the loss of his right leg at two weeks old. He was in the hospital a lot and the Members of the Optimist Club of Sugar Creek, Missouri took turns making sure I could get to the hospital daily to see my baby. When he was fnally able to go home, the Members continued to check on me and help us out when he had doctor's appointments. They also helped us get to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in St. Louis.

Years later, I was invited to a Club meeting and knew the minute I walked in the door, I was meant to join. That was my defning moment. I was elected Sergeant-At-Arms the frst year; the second year, I became Vice President and in October 2013, I took over as President of the Sugar Creek Optimist Club. I have also been the West Missouri District Chairperson for the Childhood Cancer Campaign for the last two years. Becoming an Optimist has given me what I felt was missing in my life and that is a purpose. I am fnally able to help others the same way I was helped when I needed it!"

- Michelle Turner Stone, Optimist Club of Sugar Creek Inter-City, MO

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“MO” is an acronym that stands for many things, but I refer to it as “My Optimism.” I wanted it to inspire everyone to readdress the reasons they work or continue to work as an Optimist. Every one of us has a memory of something that motivates us into doing the job we do for the children and communities we serve. It is my hope that my theme has drawn

attention to everyone’s Optimist story.

– Ron Huxley, International President

“It's hard for me to select a single thing that characterizes my Optimist MO, but if forced to choose one thing, it would be these two:

From the Bible –“To do unto others as I would that others do unto me," and

From the Optimist Creed - To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

My dream is to make these two into my mantra for the best every moment of every day.”

- Ben Bradshaw, Lieutenant Governor, Zone 10 East Missouri District

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