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Homeless to Hopkins
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Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school, etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
Chris’ second career as an author was inspired by his desire to give hope to those who desperately need it, as he needed it in his youth. Chris grew up in extreme poverty and varying degrees of homelessness throughout his childhood, even sleeping in a car for many months during high school.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Chris defied the odds and graduated summa cum laude in just three years for his undergrad. He was inducted into the medical school honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha, for his exemplary work in medical school.
Chris was then blessed with the privilege to complete his residency at Johns Hopkins University, where he stayed on as a faculty member in the School of Medicine for a time.
Chris’ captivating story is a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and achieving incredible success.
With less than a decade between his homelessness and becoming a physician, Chris is sharing his story as a keynote speaker and wrote Homeless to Hopkins. Chris plans to use the proceeds from book sales to fund a scholarship program for disadvantaged youth.
Outside of medicine and writing, Chris’ life experiences have guided him to bungee jump, drive a sled dog team, live in the Yellowstone area, and develop a passion for photography.
What inspired you to author this book?
I wanted to share my reasons for writing my book, Homeless to Hopkins. First of all, I have been blessed to make a good living being a physician. I did not write my memoir for money or fame but to make a difference in the world. To be a catalyst for good. To be the change for the one….. the one person….the one family….the one community…and the one world.
Mother Teresa was a woman who believed in making the world a better place. She devoted her life to helping those suffering and supporting those in need. Her selfless acts of charity and compassion inspired millions around the globe, and she is remembered as an icon of kindness and generosity.
Mother Teresa dedicated her entire life to alleviating poverty, providing medical care and shelter to the sick and destitute, and advocating for social justice. She traveled widely to assist those living in extreme poverty, always believing that love is the most powerful force for change. She also established many charitable organizations, such as Missionaries of Charity, which continue to offer assistance today.
For me, Mother Teresa’s legacy serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference if we set our hearts and minds to it. I'm determined to leave this world a little better than I found it - just like Mother Teresa did - by putting service before self and offering help wherever it's needed.
This Idea motivated me to write my memoir, Homeless to Hopkins. From a portion of the sales, I plan on creating a scholarship foundation to help disadvantaged kids like I was to have a better life. By donating money or goods to those in need and educating the world on issues of poverty, hunger & homelessness so that I can become an advocate for social justice & help bring about meaningful change on these issues.
No matter how small the act may seem - whether it’s taking time out of your day to listen & lend comfort or giving what you can monetarily - every little bit counts towards making this world brighter & better for everyone. In honor of Mother Teresa’s legacy & what she stood for, let’s all strive towards being kinder human beings & leaving behind positive footprints that will benefit future generations.
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Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
From thinking about my life as a journey. I looked through the future and saw it at Johns Hopkins. The cover idea is to take the reader on that journey with me.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
Absolutely it is my wife! She is the best part of my life, my greatest supporter, and my best friend. She was invaluable as I wrote my memoir; she helped me to get in touch with those deep feelings and be able to express those emotions.
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What were the struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
I overcame extreme poverty and homelessness to become a physician. In writing this book, I had to revisit the past and open those deep wounds. In doing so, those wounds healed and became scars. Scars are strong, they serve as badges of honor for the battles we have won, and in sharing those scars, we can help lift others to win their own battles!
Tell your readers about your book.
It is my true inspirational story: My Journey From Homeless Teenager To Becoming A Physician At The World-Renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital.
My life was often alone, cold, sad, and hungry. My youth was different from most, but this was my reality.
However, despite the hardship that was my life and being homeless, something led me on, something saw me through. I survived, I found hope, and eventually, a life even better than I had imagined. Even though I so often faced darkness, I discovered light, laughter, and happiness.
I journeyed from that broken, homeless teenager sleeping in the car to eventually being a Medical Doctor at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins. But most important of all, I found me; I found joy.
This is my story.
Homeless to Hopkins.
Who is your target audience, and why?
My target is anyone and everyone who is experiencing or will experience adversity in life, which is pretty much everyone. My book shares the import of a message of hope, hope that life will get better and anyone can be empowered to make that life for themselves.
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If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
You will read it and feel inspired and empowered to change your life and reach your dreams.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
To be married for more than 27 years and a father of 5 amazing daughters! Being a father and husband has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience in my life.
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What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
My story gives hope that even though life is dark, you can find the light. Even in the worst circumstances, you can still find light me hope. People will read my book, feel hope for the future, and be inspired to create that future.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I wrote in sections. I think if one specific event, then I dictate it free form into a voice recognition software. I find it easier just to speak, to get my thoughts down, then go back and revise it later.
What one piece of advice do you have for new authors?
Do not give up! I was rejected by over 50 agents and ultimately self-published. My book got Amazon bestseller status in 3 categories in less than a week. It is well on its way to becoming an even bigger seller. Also, wrote from your heart, don’t be afraid to share parts of yourself, even the complicated, messy parts of our lives. We all our strengthened as we share these issues!
What is next for you in your writing career?
I am writing a self-help book on overcoming obstacles. I will share insights and strategies I have learned in my life.
Tell your readers anything else you want to share.
A portion of all proceeds from my book will be donated to
charity. I want to lift others who need help.
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