I wanted to write about inspirational people. We think we meet them in business occasionally and use them as inspiration for ourselves to progress,make money, whatever. But occasionally we are woken up and things are put into a truer perspective. By those who really change lives and outcomes for others . I am blessed in that I am married to such a person. How do I know that? I'll tell you.
Many of you will know my wife Lisa developed the Grace App for autistic people. An assistive technological aid for people with communication problems. It was designed for our daughter Grace and became a success both nationally and globally, winning several awards including WSA World Mobile and several Social Entrepreneurial awards. I was living inside this story for several years, so in many ways did not fathom how it was seen from outside.
Over two years ago, as my wife Lisa made her first TV appearance on RTE with the announcement of the Grace App, a young girl in Skibereen watched the story and was inspired.
Niamh Cadogan had an Autistic brother without an educational placement and with significant communication difficulties. She set about changing that for her brother. Within months she had lobbied her school Principal( a compassionate man) to open an Autistic unit in the school and raised money for devices to be used as assistive tech to help her brother and the other kids in the unit communicate their needs. She named her project '' Amazing Grace'' after Grace App. It was a great success and Lisa was invited to Skibereen to open the unit. Lisa proudly cut the ribbon and was warmed by the hospitality of the people of west Cork.
Niamh continued to raise money for Autistic children under her ''Amazing Grace'' project despite being diagnosed with Leukemia. She soldiered on and and was quickly recognised by the local Lions Club as one to watch. Lisa said that this girl ''would go on to be CEO of Global companies''. She had that determination that if no one answered the front door. You went around the back with a sledge.
Niamh's project won the National Lions Club project for Ireland and she was to represent Ireland in Birmigham mid Feb. Two days before the trip and having undergone twelve months of chemo and radiotherapy, Niamh was told she could not travel. The Leukemia was still in her blood samples. She was devastated that she couldn't compete. Niamh returned to therapy and sadly passed away surrounded by her family on Monday morning at 8am.
And so it is that people who inspire sow a seed in others which grows so that we all will gain. Inspiration that transcends adversity whether it's wealth ,health, politics, bureaucracy and gets things done. In Niamh's case it was health. Something sadly uncontrollable for her. She leaves behind a strong message for those of us lucky in health who have achieved less than she did in her short life. Do your best and succeed. May God Bless you Niamh and Thank You for the changes that you have made.,
Bill
