Mitsubishi Electric: Changes for the Better

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

April 2008: Craig of Tracy, California

?gEveryone says I have a great smile, I guess I do.?h

Name: Craig
City: Tracy, CA
Age: 16 years old
Hobbies: Basketball, listening to music, singing, playing video games

Hello, my name is Craig. I'm 16 and a sophomore in high school. I go to the Boys & Girls Club of Tracy almost every day.

I have been a member for about four years and have made a lot of friends. I like to play basketball, listen to songs on the computer and play video games. I also love to dance! When I grow up, I hope to own my own home and become a famous singer.

I like hanging out in the teen room. It's nice to come to a place where everyone knows your name. I ride the bus to the Club, and when I get to the Club, I have my own parking space reserved just for my wheelchair. That's pretty cool.

Craig has cerebral palsy and prior to 2003 he had never been able to walk. In April 2003 he had surgery on both feet. After the surgery he took four steps for the first time in his life. "When I first came to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tracy," says Craig, "I crawled around the entire facility, now I walk, sometimes I may fall, but I get back up, smile and go on my way." Craig has been nominated as the MVP for basketball at the Boys & Girls Club of Tracy.