The Mission Viejo Community of Character Committee will host “Embrace the Talent” on Monday, June 27 to benefit babies around the world.
“Be the Change, Save a Life” is the theme for the event that takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Paras Shah, a Capistrano Valley High School senior and youth member of the Community of Character Committee organized the event to help save low birth weight and premature babies around the world. He was inspired by a recent ABC “20/20″ TV show – “Be the Change: the Tiniest Survivors.”
The Community of Character Committee is co-sponsoring a benefit/charity concert to raise money while showcasing local talent. The $10 admission ticket includes a fun-filled event featuring Comedy Sportz teams from Capistrano Valley High School and Tesoro High School, local music, hip-hop entertainment and food.
Proceeds will go toward the purchase of the “Embrace” infant warmer, which is a low-cost portable incubator ($200) that can save premature babies by keeping them warm.
The need is there: Nearly 4 million premature babies die every year. Many die before they are a month old simply because they are too small to keep themselves warm. Most of those that survive grow up with severe long-term health problems. The Embrace incubators can make a difference by saving thousands of lives over the next five years. Embrace will receive the funds for the incubators and ship them to India.
Having spent 110 days in an incubator after being born 3 months premature, Shah has a personal connection to the cause.
“The doctors told my parents I had little to no chance at a ‘normal’ life,” he said. “They told my father when I was a kid that I would never ride a bike. Three months later, I rode a bike around my neighborhood. They said there was slim chance I would be able to attend high school, last week I graduated Valedictorian.”
“In Sanskrit, Paras means ‘Remover of Obstacles,’” Shah, who is legally blind, added. “My parents chose my name when I was lying in the hospital shortly after my birth. Unsure if I would live or die, they had faith that I could overcome. Today, I continue to live up to my name and know I can conquer anything that stands in my way. Time and time again, I have proven the doctors wrong and accomplished what they said was impossible.”
For more information or to make a reservation, call 949-470-3075.
