Tony's Message

Tony started traveling across the nation in 2001 speaking to groups of all sizes. What started out as a small spark in Tony's heart has now grown into a passionate flame, desiring to reach out to as many people as possible. This message is by no means ordinary. Tony brings a moving challenge to all people, those being bullied or victims; and even those bullying other, or perpetrators of violence. His longing is to see people stand up and do what is right, especially encouraging friends to come alongside a victim of harassment or being bullied.

Tony comes from a life-style of being different. He gets out of bed every day with the reality that he has Cerebral Palsy. CP is a form of musuclar dystrophy that affects coordination, muscle control and basic movement. Many people see it as a limitation - a disability. CP results in Tony experiencing many physical and emotional challenges everyday. He knows what it is like to feel that "life has thrown you a curve". Many people think they have it all together and then the bottom drops out. Tony is quick to mention that it is not what happens to us that matters, it is how we respond to the circumstances that really matters. His message is one of being proactive and not giving in to circumstances and finding one's identity in being a victim.

Tony has worked with teenagers since 1993 - as a substitute teacher, youth pastor and motivational speaker. Teens are immediately drawn to his concern and compassion for young people. All over the nation teens have tuned in to see that Tony is different and our differences can make us wonderful.

Bullying has reached epidemic proportions in our culture in America today. It is been found to be a major component that has led to some of the most horrible tragedies this nation has seen since 1999 when two young kids opened up with automatic weapons on their fellow students from Columbine. Unfortunately the tragedies have been repeated in places like Paducah, Kentucky; Oregon, Florida, Texas, and others.

• National studies show that 1 out of 4 teens get bullied between grades 6 and 10, and these are just the ones that get reported.
  
• 90% of teenagers who get bullied say it affects them greatly . . . . physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
• It is estimated that 60% of the bullying that happens takes place at camps and normally does not get reported.
• 85% of the time other teens are around when the bullying occurs.
• Bullying has even spilled over into cyberspace as bullies use threatening emails and instant messaging to continue the cycle of violence.

It has to stop! Tony has the credibility and compassion to command the attention of those being bullied and those doing the bullying because he has lived it. He knows the fear that grips the victim and those who stand by 'uninvolved' but desperately wanting to help in some way. Tony brings practical advice to everyone and shows bystanders how to stand up and make a difference.

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