News - 1/8/13

Welcome to the new site of the PEARL Foundation of North Carolina! This website is under construction - so bear with us as we work to populate it with information and eliminate the clutter!

Our Inspiration

Imagine living a life without a voice.  Depending solely on those around you to interpret and decide EVERYTHING for you.  What if you had an itch you needed scratched or what if you wanted chocolate milk not plain and couldn’t tell anyone? What if your head ached or you had some other kind of pain and you needed a pain killer but couldn’t ask for one.  What would your life be like if you could never have a true say in what happened to you or what you did or didn’t do because you could not talk!  Would you be patient, would you be sweet, kind and affectionate?  Can you imagine?  I can’t, but I know who can….my son, Garrett.

CIMG2411.JPG
CIMG2342.JPG
CIMG2671.JPG

Garrett

Garrett was born 18 years ago with a rare heart defect and suffered a cardiac arrest following his heart repair.  His brain suffered significant damage and as of today he has had over 40 surgeries, been emotionally abused in a classroom and yet remains a tender gentle PATIENT soul.  He has taught me more than anyone who can talk.  He has taught me what matters and is truly important in life.  He has taught me to respect everyone as a person regardless of their abilities.  He has taught me to never give up on someone and always be willing to listen (even if not with my ears).  He has certainly taught me unconditional love and that EVERYONE DESERVES A REWARDING AND WONDERFUL LIFE!!!!!!!!

Because of what Garrett and his life has taught me, I have developed a dream and vision for his future.  I feel truly called by God to work to build the future for Garrett’s population… the future they so rightfully deserve.  From this dream the PEARL Foundation of NC has been born.

PEARL stands for Providing Everyone A Rewarding Life.  Just like an oyster, Garrett’s population may look rough and unattractive on the outside if you take the time to look inside at the real person…they are BEAUTIFUL just as that pearl inside the oyster is.  They are lives that deserve to be given opportunities that will show their inner beauty.  PEARL’s motto is that , “Every life has something beautiful to offer” and it is my dream and desire to use the Pearl Foundation of North Carolina to share these amazing people with our community.  Even though many of them cannot talk or communicate like most, they can inspire and teach others so many meaningful and important lessons.