We are often bombarded with news of how angry lovers turn selfish,nasty, or violent. Or how when a loved one dies, how those left behind become bitter, or reclusive.
What we don’t hear enough about are the people who overcome these times of pain by becoming even more compassionate and doing something for others.
Sometimes it’s simply by volunteering a few hours at a charity organization or event. Other times, it’s by making a commitment that involves years.
Today I met a woman who has dedicated over eight years to creating a book about a superhero who fights for children against cancer.
The book is due out in July, and though it is fiction, in fact the story will give children battling the disease a lift. Not false hope, but a little escape to a place where the disease is visible — and a champion rises to their defense.
More about this in the coming weeks. For now, the point is … In this world of ours there are MANY more good souls than media would have us believe.
About Alex Simmons Says
Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, Marvel, DC, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist, Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Europe, West Indies, and Africa.
Simmons has served on panels and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children all over the world.
During the past 35 years, Simmons has participated as a member of arts and education boards for several New York State nonprofit organizations, as well as one in Nigeria.
As a teaching artist Simmons has worked with youth through the Bronx Community College, the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Apollo Theater In-School Arts Program, Henkel McCoy, Upward Bound, New York Council on the Arts, Children’s Art Carnival, Wings Academy, and NYU Creative Arts Team, to name a few.
He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.
SimmonsHereAndNow 