Toughness Defined

Tough and toughness are two words that can mean many different things to people.  When some people hear that word they will think back to July 15, 1967, when Roberto Clemente ripped a line drive off Bob Gibson's leg, breaking the leg, and Gibby stayed in to face three more batters.  Younger people may think of an upcoming test or report that is due for a school project.  On January 13, 2018, Ranken Jordan's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Holekamp, explained his version of what tough and toughness means to him to a jam packed ballroom at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton, MO, for Ranken Jordan's annual Gala.

LJ draining some putts!

The Gala is my favorite night of the year and one of the many reasons for it is having the opportunity to listen to Dr. Holekamp, Ranken Jordan President & CEO Lauri Tanner, and St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny speak.  Each of them always provides powerful, moving speeches that leave attendees thinking for days or longer.  As part of Dr. Holekamp's speech each year, he always personalizes it with stories about specific stories.  This year was no different as the stories he told put a smile on my face and brought tears to my eyes.  As Dr. Holekamp spoke of what true toughness is, he spoke of Camden, a 7 year old boy who a year ago lost both of his parents in an automobile accident and spent time at Ranken Jordan recovering from his own injuries (watch Camden's video HERE).  Then he told Brad's story of having a severe spinal cord injury and how 99% of patients would not recover in the way Brad has (watch Brad's video HERE).  Following that he shared young LJ's story of having burns over 70% of his body and how hard he works every day to get better.  While he was talking you could have heard a pin drop in that ballroom with several hundred people in attendance.

Camden taking his first golf swings

As people were hanging on his every word, I was sitting at my table in the back of the ballroom thinking of fun times teaching each of these inspirational and amazing young men how to play golf while I smiled and wiped away tears.  Every child at Ranken Jordan has their own unique story as to why they are there.  And almost every child who is there has been constantly told that they can't play golf (or many other sports for that matter).  However while the kids are at Ranken Jordan, and Cam, Brad, and LJ are no different, we show them that they can play golf regardless of the complex medical condition they are facing.  Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter echo through Warner's Corner are all anyone needs to understand how much fun the kids have playing golf.  The strength, determination, and resiliency shown by the kids is nothing short of incredible.

LJ watching Brad rip some drivers

I vividly remember the first day Camden, Brad, and LJ joined us for golf and seeing their faces light up with a smile when they hit their first solid golf shot.  To think that this crazy game could bring a bit of joy to their lives with the complex medial issues they are facing is an incredible feeling.  There is absolutely nothing in the game of golf that gives me greater joy than seeing the kids at Ranken Jordan smile and enjoy the game.  When you spend some time there, you quickly learn that the kids are the true definition of toughness.  Watching their enthusiasm and seeing their resiliency as they face battles I cannot comprehend solidifies the definition of toughness in my mind.  Someday when (if) I grow up I hope to be as tough as them.

Brad loves hitting the driver!