It is the mission of Choose Living to impact those in need through inspiration, compassion and accessibility. We provide children, adults and families with the tools to help themselves engage life at every level.

CHOOSE LIVING FOUNDATION

Jim & Katie a friendship that will live on forever

On Wednesday April 25, 2007, one of “Choose Living’s angels” Katie Morris returned to heaven. Katie made an imprint on all of our souls that will last for all eternity. Until we meet again your spirit remains in our hearts. You are a gift to us all!

We love you Katie!

Katie Marie Morris
April 19, 1994- April 25, 2007

The Choose Living Foundation donates a special bike to help "Lucky" be the best he can be!

Choose Living Foundation Created to Support Philanthropic Ventures of Jim MacLaren

SAN DIEGO , CA. NOV., 2005 --- Jim MacLaren, the actor, writer, motivational speaker, retired professional athlete and quadriplegic, announced today the formation of the Choose Living Foundation. The foundation was established to support his philanthropic work and allow him to contribute his time, energy, resources and newfound exposure to help people in need across the world. The Foundation will also give him the freedom and security to speak, mentor and teach a message of compassion, love and the appreciation of life to all people.

The Choose Living Foundation will support many different organizations, including the San Diego, CA. based Challenged Athletes Foundation and the work being done to help disabled people in Ghana by Emmanuel Ofasu Yeboah. Jim will continue his support of Camp Good Days and Special Times, the largest children’s cancer camp in the nation. Located in upstate New York, Camp Good Days provides programs for cancer as well as families affected by cancer. Most recently the camp has added a special program committed to assisting families affected by the AIDS virus.

If you are experiencing trouble donating, please contact our Customer Support by calling 619-851-
2902

For payment by check please mail checks to:
Choose Living Foundation
PO BOX 154
Akron, PA 17501

“I feel blessed that I have been able to help people through my words and actions and by serving as a role model for overcoming adversity,” said MacLaren. “Through the Choose Living Foundation I hope to also be able to contribute financially to these great organizations to make a difference in the lives of people.”

MacLaren’s incredible story is one of courage, perseverance and the human spirit. Less than a year after graduating from Yale in 1984, the 300-lb former college football and lacrosse player was hit by a bus in NYC and pronounced dead on arrival before “only” losing his left leg eight inches below the knee. He went on to graduate from the Yale School of Drama and started swimming for rehabilitation and then competing in running events. He soon became the fastest amputee marathon runner and triathlete in the world. He holds the Hawaii Ironman record for an amputee and regularly finished in the top one-third of all competitors. This year, he was inducted into the Ironman Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

MacLaren’s life took another turn in 1993 when he was hit by a van during the biking portion of a triathlon in Orange County. He broke his C5 vertebrae and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic and was never supposed to move or feel below his neck. He amazed doctors, eventually regaining partial use of his limbs.

He has furthered his studies by earning a Masters Degree and PhD in Mythological Studies from The Pacifica Graduate Institute. This degree has enabled Jim to become an even more profound and articulate Life Coach and Mentor to thousands, worldwide.

In August, 2005 he was awarded the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2005 ESPY Awards. The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. As the award was being presented, Oprah Winfrey began her speech with the theme “Choose Life.” At that moment Jim made the decision to call his new foundation the Choose Living Foundation.

His newfound visibility was inspired by his role in the documentary Emmanuel’s Gift
(emmanuelsgift.com) which tells the story of a young disabled boy who single-handedly changed the perception of the disabled in his country of Ghana by riding a bicycle across the country. Emmanuel received the bicycle from the Challenged Athletes Foundation – an organization founded 10 years earlier to buy Jim a handicap accessible van after his horrific accident.

“If I had not decided to choose living, the CAF never would have been formed, Emmanuel never would have heard my story and the wonderful things happening in Ghana may never have happened,” said MacLaren. “So you tell me, is my life a tragedy or a blessing? I think that answer is pretty simple.”

Choose Living Foundation • PO BOX 154, Akron,PA, 17501 • Tel 619.851.2902 • Fax 717.431.5506
Choose Living Foundation a project of Congressional District Programs, Inc – a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, Tax ID # 32-0189696