"We are CHD" Event aims to inspire and educate

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - "We are CHD" is an upcoming event that will celebrate 41 years of helping people in our community when they need it most.

Cheryl Gorski, the Program Director of CHD's Cancer House of Hope and Nancy Bazanchuk, the Program Director of CHD's Disability Resources joined us to share more about it.

"We are CHD"
Tuesday, November 13th
Keynote speaker: Jothy Rosenberg

In his teens, Jothy Rosenberg lost a leg and part of his lungs in two separate cancer occurrences and was told he would not survive. That was over 38 years ago.

He now participates in black diamond amputee skiing, one-crutch volleyball, class V white water rafting, competitive open-water swimming, long-distance bike-a-thons, ocean kayaking, crutch mountain hiking, and rowing.

A computer scientist by trade, Rothenberg has taught collegiate computer science, published three technical books, founded and headed eight high-tech start-ups. His motto, "Who Says I Can't" is also the name of his book and a TV series.

The book Who Says I Can't is about what effect suddenly becoming disabled and hearing you have zero chance of survival has on someone's personality and how one can not only survive, but also fight back, recover, and thrive. Written about human perseverance, adaptability, and strength aimed not solely at those dealing with cancer or amputation but at everyone who at some point in their lives will inevitably have to deal with some sort of knock-down or major setback.