Virtual storytelling show to aid No Kid Hungry
Tucker Dupree’s life changed dramatically when he was a senior in high school looking forward to adulthood and the independence it would bring.
When he woke up on Oct. 18, 2006, he couldn’t see anything from the center of his left eye. Four months later, the condition worsened as he lost central vision in both eyes.
Dupree was eventually diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, an inherited disease that causes blindness.
“Acquiring my disability at the age of 17 changed my life forever,” he said. “I have been able to show people what you can do with this disability and help shed light on: ‘It's not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you to help write your legacy.’”
In 2012, Dupree, now 32, won three medals in swimming at the Paralympic Games in London six years after losing his central vision, and he added a fourth during the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
His story of perseverance and resilience appeared in The New York Times. Now he is among six people sharing personal stories as part of USA TODAY Storytellers Project’s virtual show, which is also a benefit for No Kid Hungry.
No Kid Hungry works with communities nationwide to feed children by distributing grants to schools, food banks and community groups, while also providing advocacy and raising awareness.
The show will livestream at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 26. Register in advance to receive a reminder at https://www.storytellersproject.com/all-events and watch on the Storytellers Project’s Facebook page, YouTube channel or website.
Also sharing stories are:
- Lydia M. Sites, 43, of Cincinnati, Ohio
- Chris Howlett, 28, of Louisville, Kentucky
- Peggy Lawrence, 49, of Conyers, Georgia
- Juan Carlos Luna Vargas, 42, of San Bernardino, California
- George Baker of Atlanta, Georgia
Like Dupree, Howlett had to overcome obstacles during his formative years. He grew up in foster care and struggled through school while facing uncertainties as he moved in and out of more than 100 foster homes.
Howlett said he didn't find stability until he graduated from the University of Louisville. It was his drive and optimism that kept him from falling through the cracks, he said.
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination," Howlett said.
Lawrence, a school nutrition director in Rockdale County Public Schools in Atlanta, will talk about her work ensuring children who were educated at home during the pandemic still received a nutritious lunch.
She said the school district delivered 2.7 million meals via school bus routes.
“My story will center on the myriad of emotions that I dealt with, including the incredible kindness and collaboration we received from our community,” she said.
“I hope to convey that when times are tough, it is the simplest things that bring comfort and joy to those around us. Food and the human connection mattered more than ever, and those are what we do best.”
Luna Varga, a teacher in Rialto, California, has a story about how his elementary school teacher inspired him to dream bigger.
“I wanted nothing more than to be a dishwasher,” he said. “Lucky for me, my fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Linda Brown, changed my life. She made me believe that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
This show will also include an interview led by Storytellers Project founder and Director Megan Finnerty and Pamela Taylor, senior vice president and chief communications and marketing officer at No Kid Hungry.
Donations can be made directly before, during or after the show.
WATCH: Episodes from the Storytellers Project
Learn more about the Storytellers Project and apply to tell a story at https://www.storytellersproject.com/.
Need to know
- What: “School Stories,” a benefit for No Kid Hungry
- Where: The Storytellers Project’s Facebook Page, YouTube channel and website.
- When: Aug. 26, 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET
- More: Watch past virtual shows on YouTube and recorded in-person shows on the Storytellers Project's website.
Upcoming shows
- Sept. 14: Outdoor Adventures
- Oct. 19: Home
- Nov. 16: Food and Family
- Dec.14: Holidays