Red Sox Players Kapler and Schilling.

“good will always prevail”
I don’t know how to personally describe my instant connection with both Lisa and Gabe Kapler. Their captivating warmth, energy and instant likeability made our first meeting incredibly memorable. As an activist, spokesperson and survivor of domestic violence Lisa has been able to use a daunting and painful life experience as a catalyst to take positive steps towards changing the way people address domestic violence and primary prevention. Gabe and Lisa founded The Gabe Kapler Foundation, a non-profit devoted to raising awareness about domestic violence and empowering adults and children through a variety of programs funded by the Foundation. It has since been my distinct, mystifying privilege to partner professionally and more importantly to personally align as friends with these two amazing individuals. Although each could accomplish greatness in their own right, together they will undoubtedly make a marked difference in the world as people, parents and activists for violence prevention. To learn more visit www.kaplerfoundation.org

“my scars are my favorite tattoos”
I first met Shonda Schilling in 2006 after she requested I bring some Emotional Armor samples to a Red Sox game for her to incorporate into a fundraiser she was chairing at the time. Not personally knowing her I packed a variety of messages that would be appropriate for the charitable occasion. We met in the wive’s room at Fenway Park where the spouses of the players started quickly going through the pile of apparel. They all loved each of the shirts I had chosen and were very quick to personally attach their personality to a particular message. When I turned back to Shonda she was quietly looking at one of the shirts. She looked at me and smiled and said movingly “this one is perfect.” She was holding the tee that read “my scars are my favorite tattoos.” I quite honestly was surprised and impressed that she had chosen that particular message. At a later meeting at her home I learned why that message had so powerfully resonated with her. After a personal battle and subsequent triumph over skin cancer, Shonda had endured multiple surgeries which had left highly visible scars across her back. When she showed me her website photo I was awed and inspired by her bravery and strength as she stood not facing the camera, but with her bare, scarred back exposed to the lens. In that instant she bravely and confidently reminded me what the true definition of beauty is…real. To learn more visit www.shadefoundation.org