After getting off to a 4-0 start, 25 year boxer Jacob Szilasi has hit a bit of a bump in the road. He's lost two tough fights in a row but that's not discouraging him one bit. "I've been through a lot to get here. I had 15 amatuer bouts so for me every time I step in the ring is a learning experience," said Szilasi.
Watch story of Jacob Szilasi and his trainer.
Szilasi who now stands at 4-2 knows a thing about beating the odds. He was diagnosed with Cancer in April 2013 but after a year of chemotherapy he was back in the ring bringing his amatuer career to an end. Szilasi was determined to become a pro once he had beat cancer. "That was the focus. Turning pro once I beat cancer. It gave me a new purpose and focus," said Szilasi.
Szilasi's traniner Jesse Mora has been working with Jacob for more than 5 years now. It was an instant bond when the pair met at Spokane Boxing and it's a relationship that continues to grow.
"I love Jacob and believe in him. These past two fights we've put him in the ring with some tough fighters. He's learning everyday. What you have to remember is he had a short amatuer career so he's learning as a pro. The thing about him is he works hard, loves the Lord and he does things the right way. I can't ask anything more of him, " said Mora.
Szilasi's manager Joe Diaz, who's a legendary figure in the sport of professional boxing says he's staying with Jacob because he believes in his character and his talent.
"Jacob is a fighter, not only in the ring but outside of it. Plus I don't have to worry about him not training. He's always working hard. He is still learning the fight game. Look he's had six fights in and everyone in the country is calling me about this guy when the see the tape on him. I know he's got a great future, "said Diaz.
As for Szilasi he knows everyday is a new challenge. Ultimatley winning will be the true measure of his career. But for all he's been through, he knows everytime he steps in the ring it's a W for him personally- no matter the outcome.
"I'm just proud of where I'm at this point in my life. I feel blessed that I get to step into the ring. I'm working hard everyday to become a champion, " said Szilasi.
Vernecia Howard with her husband Gerald is searching for a new smile.
When you meet 44 year old Vernecia Howard it's easy to see how much she is loved. Howard is a natural people person and has always loved giving back. She's active in her church and has always been there for her 4 children. "One thing that I'll tell you about me is I come from a single parent home with a mother who taught me to always be a giver. She said if you give, you will receive," said Howard. Even with all her joy, Vernecia Howard hides the pain that's been with her for more than two decades. After the birth of her daughter Nesha 20 years ago, Vernecia started having problems with her teeth, joining the thousands of Americans who experience painful gums and the need to have some of them removed. "Some of the most challenging problems I have with missing teeth is the irritation of my gums when eating. They get very red and sometimes certain foods cut them. I also have to deal with the fact my other teeth are shifting,"said Howard. Howard, who just graduated from Spokane Falls Community College with a degree in Social Services says she doesn't want her missing teeth to hamper her career. "When you're embarrassed with your smile it's hard to speak face to face with people because your confidence is so low. You always feel as if they notice your missing teeth," said Howard.
Howard is a part of a growing number of Americans who don't like smiling because of their teeth, according to a new study conducted by Dentistry Today. In fact 28 percent of people don’t show their smile when taking pictures on social media because they assume their teeth are unattractive. Also, 81 percent of people state that they believe their teeth look unattractive in photographs.
The study included about 2,000 participants and showed that 42 percent of people said their smile was the first thing they would change about themselves and slightly more than one third of the people said they were embarrassed by their smile.
But changing your smile can be an expensive endeavor. Howard says replacing her missing teeth would cost more than $6,000. She's gotten estimates that have been closer to $10,000. So she created a Go Fund Me account to try and cover the costs. "I started the account because I thought people would understand what I'm going through and would help me out. So far I've received $190, " said Howard.
Howard says she's not looking for a handout, just a little help and she's hoping an oral surgeon may see her story and work with her somehow. "Right now my husband is the only one working and we're living pay check to pay check.
Vernecia Howard has devoted her life to God, family and community and is hoping you smile on her with a generous blessing.
The Call
It was the afternoon of July 4th, 2009. 8 year old Triston Casas was enjoying time boating with his younger brother 7 year old Gavin and Dad Jose when the call came. "Something happened to your Mom," said the elder Casas. Triston could tell by the tone of his fathers voice and the worried look on his face this was serious. Triston always was wise beyond his years knew there was something different about the phone call.
As the trio headed back towards shore, sweat covered his face. Thoughts of what he would say to his boys spun through Jose Casas' mind. "I was worried how they would react," said Casas. As they hit dry land, little did the boys know they were stepping into a new reality, one that meant life without the mother they so dearly loved. "It was difficult time," said Jose.
The boys mother, Christine Casas had died sometime that day. It was a life cut short at just 38 years old. The cause of death was unclear. It appeared she had a heart attack after stepping out of a hot bath. "It was devastating at the time. There was a lot of uncertainty at the time. I knew I had to step up and really keep the boys positive and focused," said Casas.
L Triston Casas, M-Jose Casas R-Gavin Casas
The Foundation
At the time of her death Jose and Christine had been divorced for a few years. Despite the divorce they stayed close friends and were determined to see their boys have a better life. Both Christine and Jose were athletic and shared a love of sports. Both Triston and Gavin channeled their love of sports into the game of baseball. "From the very beginning both Triston and Gavin loved the game. I never had to forced them to play. I never had to say come one guys get your gloves you have practice. They were always ready with uniform on and glove in hand. They're both great players."said Casas.
Triston has come a long way from his Little League days by transforming his body through great work ethic.
Casas says at a very young age the boys knew hard work was the key to success."They knew when they practiced hard the had great results."I think that understanding has fueled him ever since. He soon was awarded Best Hitter on his 7u team. "They both love watching MLB on TV and loved Playstation "The Show". I mean the boys just gravitated towards the game. So it's a real love for a sport without having to push them towards something," says Casas.
Gavin and Triston with their Mother Christine in 2008
The Outlet
The game of baseball was clearly the place that Jose Casas knew his boys would need to get through the tumultuous first few years of their mother's death. "There's no question baseball was a blessing for the boys. It was an outlet. Somewhere they could get away from the pain," said Casas.
But Casas says he never created a sense of pity for his boys. Casas says he always instilled a sense of gratefulness for what they have and the talents God has given them. By 10 years old Triston jumped to the national stage, helping the USSSA 10u Team to a National Championship. "I was so excited when he received the MVP award," said Casas.
At 14 the coaches at the University of Miami caught wind of the young phenoms talents and offered him a scholarship, an invitation he quickly gave a yes. "It was incredible for the Canes to reach out to Triston. He's always been a huge Hurricanes fan,"said Casas.
The Test
When Senior Director of USA Baseball's Brooks Webb met Triston Casas at 13 years he could see there was lot's of potential but knew he'd have to put in work. Despite Triston's ability to hit a ball a mile there were still question marks surrounding the standouts game. Yes he was big! Standing 6-2" and weighing 215 pounds was impressive. But it did come with some baby fat and the inability to run very fast.
"He came a long way in a short period of time from the first summer that I saw him at 13 years old to even when he was selected in September of 2014. When he showed back up the following summer for 15U Trials, it was very clear the time and energy he had put into not only becoming a better baseball player offensively, but the work he put in physically to improve his body and enable himself to play multiple positions and be even more athletic in the field, " said Webb.
Triston at NC State's Doak field in 2014, where his Uncle Micheal was a stand out pitcher for the Wolfpack
Triston says it was his desire to get better that fueled his hard work." I knew I had something to prove. So I worked extremely hard to transform my body. I never want to say I should have worked more. I work extremely hard so I can get great results," says Triston.
"I think what impressed me the most about Triston was just the professional-type work ethic he brought to the field every single day from start to finish. It didn't matter if it was getting in extra defensive work during batting practice or his attention to detail with every rep he took in the batting cage. He simply has a very mature, disciplined approach and is one of those players who leads by example. When the time came for someone to step up in a big spot, it was no surprise to see Triston come through for his team more times than not, " said Webb.
The USA Team
On the USA National team at the Pan Am Games this past summer, Casas helped his 15u team win a Gold Metal. He won three individual honors including: Best Offensive Player, Slugger Award and All Tournament First Basemen. "He was one of those players who simply bought in from day one and made it very clear to our staff leading up to National Team Trials how important it was to him to make our final roster and wear the red, white, and blue. I think the experience you get internationally is unrivaled based on the environment and the level of talent that you're going to face game in and game out. Triston is the type of player who doesn't back down from a challenge on the field, and facing some of the players from countries like Cuba, Venezuela and Colombia he saw this summer, it’s definitely something that will serve him well as he moves into Florida high school and summer baseball. He’ll face a lot of talented players this spring and summer, but I don't think there are many challenges that Triston will come upon that he won’t be ready for based on his experience this past summer," said Webb.
The Next Step
In 2016 Triston faces a new challenge. He steps onto the field as the starting first basemen for the American Heritage Patriots. Head Coach Bruce Aven knows a lot of eyes will be on the 16 year old. "There's no doubt he has great physical ability. He will have to make some adjustments like hitting change ups and curveballs," said Aven.
Aven says with some players that have such immense potential and talent you worry about a player getting bored. Aven says that's not the case with Casas. "He's very mature for such a young guy and always works hard," says Aven. Coach Aven who had a great career of his own spent 5 years in the Big Leagues and says if Casas keeps working hard the sky is the limit." He has potential to be a first round pick there's no question he has the tools," says Aven.
As for Triston Casas, getting to this point has been a labor of love. "I love coming to the park every day. I never take anything for granted," said Triston. Those early lessons in love, loss and victory have become the foundation of who he is now. "I know the harder you work the luckier you get and I'm trying to be the best player I can on the field," says Casas.
Triston says he will never forget the impact his mother Christine made on his life. She often shuttled him and his brother to practices, batting cages and countless number of games. He says he often thinks about his Mom before he hits the field. "I know she's watching and I hope she's proud of me," says Casas.
'I'm very proud of T and will support anything in his life that leads him to happiness, for now I know that is being taken care of on and off the field. I feel he's in a place of calm and awareness of how to embrace the struggle. I feel he is ready to face the world as a young man embarking on his first High School season with a sense of purpose and pride. I'm exited for the future but keep everything day to day, we live in the moment," says his father Jose.
Danny Ruiz has been fighting for more than 30 years for equal rights for those with disabilities
Daniel Ruiz still remembers what life was like before the
accident. "I was a popular teenager
that was playing football and running track and field so to suddenly have my
life come to a near stop, would be life altering.
It's a hard pill to swallow at any age I would imagine. I
really saw no future for me," says Ruiz. In 1983 at just 15 years old a
motorcycle accident took Ruiz'ability to walk but it would not take his will to
fight. However, Ruiz admits those first few months were very difficult.
"I woke up with my bed surrounded by doctors.After hearing them talk about my injury (broken back),I
asked if I'd have kids and walk again? I
was told you to have bigger things to worry about. After a major surgery and
three months of rehabilitation, I was sent home in a 50-pound wheelchair with a
few instructions and a pat on the back,"said Ruiz. Now even at 48 Daniel Ruiz looks like a man
much younger. Perhaps it's the fight for equal rights that's helped maintain his
youthful look.
Ruiz says waking up everyday with a burning desire for
equal rights for all with disabilities is what keeps him going. "Though
we've made tremendous strides when it comes to access for those with
disabilities, there is still much that needs to be done. I'm still active as an
advocate and will continue to be for as long as it may take to bring access as
well change in perception of those with disabilities," said Ruiz.
To get to where he is today it's important to take a look
at his journey. One that had some dark days when there was no resources,
protections or even a place to turn for those in a wheelchair."There was
no ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and access to buildings, schools,
programs were next to nothing during the 80's.
"I mean it seemed that there was nothing for a person with
a disability could do for the exception of computer programming and that just
did not sit well with me. For the first 5 or 6 years, it was extremely
difficult adjusting," said Ruiz.
A defining moment for Ruiz came the day his mother got a
call from his principal in High School wondering why he kept leaving school in
the middle of the day. "Well after few hours I would need to use the
restroom and could not fit into any, so I would go home, 20 minutes push mind
you.
"My mom told him why and had me go in the next day to tell
the principal as well. I remember rolling into his office and him turning his
chair around and before I could say anything, he says, "What are we
suppose to do, change the whole school for one person?" If I'd known what
I know today I would have said "Hell yes! and for everyone that comes
after me." Their remedy was an out-house that you see in construction
sites for restroom accommodations.That experience and many more are what fuel
me today," says Ruiz.
Ruiz says that things are much better for Americans with
a disability but there's still along way to go.. Ruiz is one of the founders
of the Association for
Disabled Americans, a non-profit organization formed November 5, 1995 that still
functions today. "I've served as the Vice President or President in all
it's years and we have not only brought hotels and shopping malls into
compliance but entire cities! It's difficult to just think of one case, or one
class action lawsuit that would justify what we have accomplished in the 20
years I've been involved with being an advocate for individuals with
disabilities. We have brought 10's of thousands of facilities into compliance
throughout the USA and will continue, one facility at a time, one barrier at a
time one day at a time, we'll make the change," says Ruiz.
As President of the Association for Disabled Americans it
allows Ruiz to represent all disabilities in a lawsuit, not just those that
involve a wheelchair user. Ruiz says he also takes into account issues
involving the blind and deaf when he's working to get a building into
compliance. " I've been a named plaintiff in over 500 cases some that
where class action cases, e.g. Publix, Mobil, Amoco, etc. That covers hundreds
if not thousands of facilities.
As well Hospitals such as Jackson North and South, city of
Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Key West, Miami Gardens, etc. When addressing the
cities, that covers all the cities buildings, parks, schools, sidewalks, etc.
Hence, we make the biggest difference for the population when we are victorious
in those cases," says Ruiz.
But one of the biggest problems Ruiz often encounters, is
on the surface, a building will often look compliant when it's actually no
where near where it needs to be.
"You'll see on the surface that
everything looks compliant.You see the accessible parking spaces, signage, lowered
counters, etc. You'll then go into the place of business, could be a shopping
center, hospital, school, restaurant, hotel and everything looks well and good
as far as access is concerned. But then you need to use a restroom, or check
into that 5 star $500.00 a night hotel room or have to stay at a hospital for a
few nights to the only find out you cannot even use a bathroom without jumping
through hoops. It's a practice that businesses take that will only address those
ADA issues that are on the surface and side-step the "internal"issues. Or I'll get, "we never have anyone come here
in a wheelchair." I always say with a smile, "that's because you're
not compliant," says Ruiz.
Ruiz says despite making tremendous strides when it comes
to protecting the rights of those with disabilities there is still a long way
to go. "I'm still active as an advocate and and will continue to be for as
long as it may take to bring access as well change in perception of those with
disabilities. I'm not only addressing physical barriers, such as ramps,
restrooms, parking and the likes but addressing program access and social
acceptance of those individuals with disabilities. I do this by sharing real
life experiences in short stories and blogs on several social medias. Such as
Facebook and online magazines,"says Ruiz.
For Ruiz the future looks bright. He recently moved from
Florida to Alabama to live closer to his brother and family members. He says
being in that motorcycle accident 33 years ago is something that he's turned
into a positive and given him opportunities he could have only dreamed of
otherwise.
Ruiz with his daughter (Jessica Jo Ruiz)
"The irony of this for me is that barriers that I've encountered throughout life, have open doors for me that may of otherwise may not have presented themselves to me. I'm a proud father, I've met President Clinton, I met and became friends with General Norman Shwartzcoft, I've been in movies, commercials and done more photo-shoots as a fashion model than I can remember. Nationally ranked tennis player, starting point guard and team captain for the Miami Heat wheels, all this and much more, all because I refused to let barriers win!," said Ruiz.
And because he
refused to lose Daniel Ruiz has won and so have millions of Americans across
the country.
Felicia Gilner L and Richard Tillies R opened 9 Round Fitness just over a month ago in North Raleigh
Watch Video Of 9Round Workout!
Raleigh, NC (WNCN) Oct 20,2015
Walk into 9Round Fitness in North Raleigh and you better be ready to work hard. "9Round offers a 30 minute full body kickboxing workout. There are no class times, a new round starts every 3 minutes," says co-owner Richard Tillies.
On this Saturday morning the gym is packed with everything from soccer moms, to fitness buffs even young boys who came to learn some boxing techniques. "The response so far has been great. Although we have been open less than two months we have phenomenal members who have become advocates of the gym and the 9Round experience in their own communities,"says Tillies.
Richard Tillies along with business partner Felicia Gilner opened gym in September. The partnership happened by chance. "We met while shopping, we were both dressed in workout clothing so we struck up a conversation about fitness and technology. We both worked in the field. I invited her too a boxing class at my gym," said Tillies.
Like Tillies and Gilner, millions of minorities take on entrepreneurship in search of
financial independence and success. Minority businesses make up almost
15 percent of the 28 million small businesses and employ 5.9 million
workers in the United States. Minorities include people in any category other than non-Hispanic white, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Gilner, who is 40 years old is one of many African-American women who are thriving as business owners. “The number of companies started by African American women grew nearly 258 percent from 1997 to 2014,” reports Center for American Progress. “The number of African American women-owned businesses in 2013 was estimated at 1.1 million, comprising 42 percent of businesses owned by women of color and 49 percent of all African American-owned businesses.”
Tillies, 37, says both he and Gilner have similar goals when it comes to business. "We have a lot in common: we have a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals. After I decided to pursue the opportunity with 9Round, I invited Felicia to visit an existing location. She enjoyed the concept so much that she agreed to help me open another franchise in the area and serve as the General Manager,"says Tillies.
Tillies also had advice for African Americans who are thinking about opening their own business. "Preparation, preparation, preparation. Be prepared to work harder than any job that you ever had, your day is no longer 9-5. Be prepared to work for free for the foreseeable future, it may become your reality. Surround yourself with like minds, iron sharpens iron. Build a support system that appreciate what you are trying to accomplish. Eliminate distractions (people, places, things) that deter you from your goals. Understand what is most important to you, and add this to that list. Other aspects of your life may suffer or become less prioritized, and you need to make sure you are OK with that.
Even in 2015, be prepared to be dismissed simply because of who you are or how you look," says Tillies.
Tillies says his academic, athletic and business background is a recipe for success in this new challenge. Richard has a background in martial arts, and was a college professor in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Felicia is an avid runner and cyclist. She worked for years in the technology industry in RTP. Both saw kickboxing as a new avenue for cross-training. The pair says they've also gotten a lot of support from the corporate office. "This is the perfect marriage for my background in martial arts and education. As far as the workout, it is perfect: 30 minutes, high intensity, efficient, and FUN. The initial investment is very reasonable, and the support from the corporate office and other owners is unparalleled. After much discussion with Felicia and Jon Shafeei (9Round owner in North Raleigh), he reached out to 9Round to start the process of franchise ownership. The process from that initial contact to opening for business was approximately one year," said Tillies.
Richard says he's used a combination of savings and personal investments to fund the venture. He says he's fortunate to start a business with no debt but now feels the pressure to succeed quickly to help replenish the investment and also turn a profit. "The build out process has been the most challenging part so far. Turning an empty shell into the foundation for your day-to-day operation is a daunting task. Make sure that you stay intimately involved in the process from start to finish, and make sure no detail is overlooked. The second is the marketing and advertising. You cannot operate with an “If You Build It, They Will Come” mindset and fail to properly market the business. You also cannot break the bank trying to reach the masses. There’s a sweet spot, and your job as an entrepreneur is to find it," says Tillies.
When it comes to getting fit at 9Round Tillies says it speaks for itself and he wants everyone to give it a try. "The response so far has been great. Although we have been open less than two months, we have phenomenal members who have become advocates of the gym and the 9Round experience in their own communities. We are building a 9Round family, not just a clientele of people who simply work out. We greet everyone as they come through the door, and we know something about each member besides the fact that they want to work out quickly and efficiently. We also have a relatively high conversion rate; after people complete their initial workout, more than half sign up for a membership package," says Tillies.
The Youth Life Learning Center on Cornwallis Road in Durham was
born 17 years ago when Pastor Ron Lewis realized his church wasn't doing enough
in its own community.
"We were doing missions all across the world and it's like
we'd forgotten to recognize the fact there are neighbors who need development,
they need help, they need opportunity. So when we came to this neighborhood and
saw the amount of help needed...we really felt the love and a calling to come
here and tell the good news, share our lives and share our resources with these
wonderful children,"said Lewis.
Lewis is the Senior Pastor of Kings Park International Church in
Durham. It's one of the state's largest and most ethnically diverse churches in
North Carolina. Pastor Lewis says many of his congregation come from the Corwallis
neighborhood. "This is definitely a tough area and there's lot's of kids
in need but there's also the hunger for a better life from the parents and the
kids who live here," says Lewis
Pastor Ron Lewis founded the Youth Life Center 17 years ago.
It's no secret the neighborhood has a reputation for crime, gang
affiliation and little opportunity. Pastor Lewis says that's the very reason he
established the Life Learning Center in the heart of the Cornwallis Housing
Project and its impact was felt immediately. "What really helps is when we see the long term story...of
families that can graduate from here can go through life and they can be given
what they're lacking. Not so much as things but skills, confidence and the
faith and certainty that somone outside of themselves loves them enough to get
them unstuck and we're watching these kids as they're fully blooming and
blossiming. The talent that is in them is able to come out and shine and
they're doing great things in their lives," says Pastor Lewis.
Helping them everyday at the Life Learning Center is the
facility's Director Georgina Hill. Hill who has been at the helm for three
years says the need can be overwhelming. "This is a tough neighborhood.
There's single parent households for the most part and children need a lot of
extra help in regards to character development and programming and different
things that we can offer them to come along side them and besides
mothers,"says Hill.
Youth Life Center Director Georgina Hill is a light of hope for the kids who attend
Hill and her team work Monday through Friday with about 50
children who are officially a part of the center. Kids get a meal during the
summer and school year, help with homework and character development training
as well. Hill who operated one of the largest Christian book stores in New York
City before moving to the Triangle says she knows this is her calling and
there's no other place God wants her right now.
"It's a great thing to know what we're doing here with Kings
Park and the Life Center is going in the right direction. Children come in and
volunteer with all age groups and get a chance to give back and bless the
children and put them on firm ground. It's a tremendous blessing to me
personally. We get a chance to input and lead our kids in the right
direction," says Hill.
11 year Ja'Corey Barockington and 12 year old Semaja Bullock who
are a part of the Youth Life Center say they've both become a better people
because of its help. "My favorite part of coming here is to be with my
friends and get my homework done with Miss Georgina," says Barockington.
"My favorite part of coming here is when we get to do our
homework and they get to help us with projects and when we need to research we
can get on the computer and research stuff and just to have fun," said
Bullock.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
On Saturday August 8th The Youth Life Center will be holding a
back to school clothing and backpack drive.
"We will be looking for new backpacks. We are looking for
various age groups. So our younger kids there looking to see whoever's the new
trend out there. Our older and middle school kids are just looking for solid
backpacks," says Hill
Uptown Thrift in Raleigh will also be donating gently used
clothing to the drive. The store will also serve as a drop off and pick up
location for the drive before and after Saturday's event. Store owner Mike
Risley says it's a small thing that impacts kids in a big way. "We love
being a part of the drive. I coach a lot of kids from the area on my youth
football team and it's our way of giving back. We'd love for you to come out to
Uptown Thrift. We'll discount any items you'd like to buy for the drive and
deliver them to the center for you," says Risley.
For Pastor Lewis the best part of the Youth Life Center is seeing
kids come back years later to help.
"The best stories are when the kids speak for themselves of
how they've benefited. They come back to volunteer and help these kids break
the cycle of despair and give hope. We've seen grades go from D's and F's to
A's and B's. We have kids in UNC. We have kids that have graduated from here
who are now at NYU and some who are in the work force and have a job and
sharing what they've received here with others," says Lewis.
