Imagine going to bed with flu-like symptoms and waking up three weeks later with no legs and only one arm. Bryan Cuerrier doesn't have to imagine. He lived it. He was diagnosed with Flesh Eating Disease. But his love and passion for life hasn't changed. To mark the third anniversary of the incident, he and his incredibly devoted wife have signed up for the Toronto Marathon on May 5.
And where's the "humanity" in defending animal rights? Like me, devout animal lovers and environmentalists (often one and the same) betray an underlying misanthropy, a profound disgust and disillusion with humanity. We can love animals because they aren't our competitors; they're dumb and easily used to serve our ends.
It requires bravery to start a business, ask for a job promotion, travel the world solo, direct a film, rock climb, or make a lifestyle change. It also takes courage to follow your heart. On my web TV talk show, I have had the privilege of interviewing many successful women. These are women from all walks of life who boldly take inspired action, do something beyond the ordinary and, in their own ways, make a difference in the lives of others.
On May 19, 2012, Shriya Shah-Klorfine became the first Canadian woman of South Asian origin to summit Mount Everest. Only a few hours later, at the age of 33, Shriya died on the descent. This past weekend, nearly two months later, her friends and loved ones gathered at a memorial service to celebrate Shriya's extraordinary life. I wanted to celebrate it, too. So I decided to honour her in this blog.