Burn survivor inspires leaders at annual event

The Regional Leaders Breakfast was held in the Event Center at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta April 12. Many business people, county officials, city officials, and students attended the event.

The keynote speaker was burn survivor and motivational speaker John O'Leary. O'Leary had been burned over most of his body, but he told of his struggles with humor.

One of his memorable encounters was famed St. Louis Cardinals announcer Jack Buck, who always brought him an autographed baseball from the Cardinals baseball team to his hospital room. After he was released from the hospital, Buck continued to bring baseballs to him. He has over 60 signed baseballs.

The most memorable gift from the Cardinals was throwing out the first pitch.

O'Leary has the gift of making you realize what you already have in life and to be thankful for those gifts. Despite his obstacles, he said he was more than blessed.