Nancy Nisbett, our CADS Executive Director, reminded me that I would be writing my last "President’s Message" this month, so here goes my last opportunity to say what’s on my mind.

   

There are many incredible members in our CADS and I have had the privilege to know a few these last 27 years in Austin. I want to share with you some of their inspirational stories so that you might better appreciate the membership of our great dental society and the many heroes that have come out of CADS.

 

CADS’ hero Dr. Joe Murphy was involved in a terrible accident on Feb. 29, 1988, when he slid down a mountain in California and was left paralyzed from the chest down leaving only 19% muscle function in his body. From the time he was told he would never walk again, he always remained very positive and worked hard to return to his beloved profession of dentistry. Everyday, he continually strives to be the very best dentist he can be. He absolutely loves dentistry and if you ask him, he will tell you that he will continue to serve his patients for as long as he can pick up a drill. He has been an inspiration to many by his encouragement to all including several recently injured paraplegic victims and his participation in the 1992 Barcelona Para Olympics.

 

CADS’ hero Dr. David Nelson is one of our heroes from the Vietnam War, somehow surviving after his helicopter was hit by a heat chasing missile and spending 7 days on the run in the Vietnam jungles before being rescued. Forty-eight hours later he was assigned another aircraft to continue his service, later being a part of the now famous Tet Offensive. Thank you, Dr. Nelson, for your service to our country that has allowed us the freedoms we have today.

 

CADS’ hero Dr. Barry Rouch continues to be a strong community supporter of the homeless. He has spent several nights on the streets with the homeless to witness and experience first hand their daily struggles and living conditions. His financial and volunteer support has helped put homeless people into homes. What a gift he has been to our CADS and a hero of our community.

 

CADS’ hero Dr. Leonard Dolce has been an inspiration to all especially to those of us that have been around his energy all these years. His ideas and dedication have initiated and started institutions such as St. Michael’s Academy, St. Gabriel’s School, Austin Community College Dental Hygiene School, Queen of Angel’s Catholic Church, and most recently, our own CAD Foundation. When Dr. Dolce has a vision, he will make sure that it becomes a reality.

 

There are many more CADS heroes that we are blessed to have among us. I’ve only touched on a few. Just know that you are a part of a great society of individuals that have been there to serve and continue to serve, making this an even better place to live. We are a very fast growing society and with this comes new energy. My hopes and dreams include a CADS leader to become a TDA President and that we can someday have a building we can call "home".