Despite his on-going battle with life, Doug McNeil continues to make a difference."It was an emotional moment for the three of us as we took the stage the Herbst Memorial Theater for the Jefferson Awards. Jessica took the podium delivered my acceptance speech for being one of six recipients to receive a silver medal of the 59 recipients. Her beautiful performance connecting with the audience drew a standing ovation, not a dry eye in the place. We will always remember this night as a celebrated family moment and one for the entire Lighting for Literacy team . My name will be submitted at the National pool of recipients. For me, the most rewarding image in my wife and daughter sharing the light. Jessica is standing in front of me beautiful and outlined in the glow of stage Lighting for a proud father beaming. Her voice had become mine!"
Jefferson Award Speech
I'm honored to be recognized in this way. There are so many equally deserving of this tribute. I wouldn't be here without my team member, Jess Salem who is the other co-founder for Lighting for Literacy, Both of us battling two terminal diseases, the program we started, played a significant role in extending in our lives to help the underserved .we started a program called Lighting for Literacy in 2013 to engage youth in elementary and middle schools around the world building solar-powered LED lighting systems. the goal is to inspire me the next generation of young global Socially responsible STEM students. we have deployed systems to over 40 international sites with the help of 3,500 youth, some students as young as 9 years old. Together, our Lighting systems have reached remote 20,000 underserved populations. We supply books where possible. Our recent projects have been serving the remote mountain tribes in the Philippines. With the generous hearts and hands of many volunteers, we have built an amazing network that started at the United Methodist Church and morning rotary in Los Gatos. This amazing part of this gift is to rise above our challenges and, In doing so, we all fulfill something greater than ourselves. For my co-founder, his Dr gave him a year to live and he lived five. For me, the medical staff gave me two weeks and I am celebrating one hundred weeks ! my plan is to bat 1,000 !. Everyone in this room has contributed by giving back, raising human potential around the world.
One piece of advice that I can offer is that one rises above all life challenges in this human experience by committed, purpose and passion to help others less fortunate. I am inspired by all the amazing people in this room tonight. Being in this position, I have the unique opportunity to look up to the rest of you in the most admiring way. The Beatles have a song called "in the end" the last part of the song ends with the verse" in the end the love you take has got to be equal to the love you make".
My congratulations to you for all you make the world a better place for others!"