" We can take charge of our lives" http:www.carsonscholars.org/ Benjamin Solomon Carson, Sr. had a childhood dream of becoming a physician. Growing up in a single parent home with dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper, and low self-esteem appeared to preclude the realization of that dream. But, today, he is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, a position he has held since 1984 at age 33. He is a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics. In 1987, Dr. Carson gained world-wide recognition as the principal surgeon in the 22-hour separation of the Binder Siamese twins from Germany. This was the first time occipital craniopagus twins had been separated with both surviving. The procedure employed hypothermic arrest (the deliberate lowering of body temperature) and circulatory arrest, as well as sophisti-cated surgical reconstructive techniques for success. In 1997, Dr. Carson was the primary surgeon in the team of South African and Zambian surgeons that separated type-2 vertical craniopagus twins (joined at the top of the head) in a 28-hour operation. It represents the first time such complexly joined twins have been separated with both remaining neurologically normal. He is noted for his use of cerebral hemispherectomy to control intractable seizures as well as for his work in craniofacial reconstructive surgery, achondroplasia (human dwarfism), and pediatric neuro-oncology (brain tumors). Dr. Carson is a recipient of numerous honors and awards including more than 20 honorary doctorate degrees. He is a member of the American Academy of Achievement, the Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans, the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and many other prestigious organizations. He sits on the board of directors of numerous organizations, including Kellogg Company, Costco Wholesale Corporation, the Yale Corporation which is the governing body of Yale University, and America's Promise. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he is a highly regarded and requested motivational speaker who has addressed varied audiences from high school graduations to the keynote address at the 1997 President's National Prayer Breakfast. He is president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. He hopes this program will positively change the perception of high academic achievers among their peers across our nation. His three books, Gifted Hands, THINK BIG, and most recently The Big Picture, provide inspiration and insight for leading a successful life. He believes strongly in God and in America and believes that we all can play a positive role in creating a better world. Dr. Carson has been married to Candy Carson for 26 years and has three sons. His wife and sons comprise the Carson Four, an accomplished string quartet. And yes, his mother, Sonya Carson, who made all this possible, is alive and well. Don't forget the Carson Scholars Event-Octomber 2,2007--410-828-1005
