Contagious Visions

Julius Mercer is organizing this fundraiser.

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HELP THIS U.S. OLYMPIC HOPEFUL TO THE FINISH LINE..(Author Julius Mercer -top left, White Hat)
I want to go mobile with my unique self-worth targeting platform that gives kids and teens a defense to become a leader not a follower so that parents can stress less!

Julius Mercer, a former Olympic hopeful and world-class hurdler, winner of numerous medals, who set records that stand to this day, launches 'Contagious Visions,' Bully Prevention... aiming to reduce dropouts and empower those who struggle with mental health, homelessness and the cycle of incarceration.

As a boy, Mercer came from a family of athletes. However, as a child he suffered from severe bowed legs that forced him to wear braces. In addition, his self-esteem was shattered when a teacher told him he did not think he would be able to achieve academically. Rather than let these events defeat him, in a scene reminiscent of Forrest Gump running in his braces, Mercer went on to become a champion athlete in high school and college track and field, setting records that remain to this day and receiving multiple news stories about his feats. In addition to his athletic feats, Julius received a BS degree in Sociology from Kansas State University (1984) and C.A.A.P.S. certification (2014) from Robison,il

In 1984, Julius was featured on ABC’s Wide World of Sports when he raced against Olympic champion Edwin Moses in the 400 meter hurdles. During his amazing career, Julius got to know many well-known athletes. Yet, despite having achieved the recognition that many young people dream of, Julius went through a series of tragic events that eventually led this former athlete to becoming homeless and spending time in prison.

Rather than let prison life destroy him, Julius determined he would once again become a champion by speaking at schools and other community events to share his amazing story of redemption with young people in an attempt to provide them with a vision for their lives of success, despite the many obstacles they may face; especially for those living in the inner cities.

Julius Mercer has written “A New Fire In You,” which details his life events and groudbreaking research. His work connects emotional hinderences with one's intestinal foritude. Julius also speaks at community gatherings, school assemblies and other events.His story and has been featured in the Chicago Tribune and he has received numerous endorsements from Libraries, Educators, and from the general public accross the country.

Many teens have lost hope from from being bullied, traumatized and subsequently have entered "distress mode," exhibiting psychosomatic symptoms such as anxiety, racing thoughts, paranoia, insomnia, hearing voices that effected their esteem and self worth, then without any warning, they committed suicide. Un treated Bi-polar disorder and not managing fears had takened me out of the race of life! It all happened to Julius too, but with grace and encoragement, he survived.

'Contagious Visions,' then, is a symposium event in which the audience can capture (or recapture) their ambition to endure adversity and succeed, while helping students to develop a defense against bullying and negative peer pressure. Students in attendance -- even those who themselves have bullied others -- will walk away from 'Contagious Visions' feeling confident in their ability to succeed in school and beyond.