Olympic Torch

The Robert Juarez family, from Blue Island and Calumet Park, recently shared this inspiring story with us. Morgan Montoya, Robert's daughter, carried the Olympic Torch through the streets of San Francisco in honor of her brother, Max, autistic children and their siblings everywhere. Her father made a mock torch for her to practice with and prepare for the big day and her Uncle Robby sponsored her for the event. What a positive tribute!

Torchbearer's essay My inspiration for my personal journey to excellence is my autistic brother, Max. I would like to carry the torch for him and on behalf of all the special needs kids of SF and the Bay Area. I've lived my entire life with my brother who is a lifetime patient at Children's Hospital -- Oakland. He's an outstanding role model for bringing special needs and non-disabled people together. He pushes the envelope on diversity acceptance and inclusion with young people and is an inspiration on his high school campus, where he is a member of the (Rose Bowl) award winning Benicia Panther High School Marching Band.

On April 9, my brother will face the greatest challenge of his life. He will be in 12 hours of surgery at Children's Hospital - Oakland to correct spinal deformities that are life threatening. I would really like to carry the torch for him, symbolic of his absolute love for sports excellence. He would want me to be there for him, inspiring people to push past obstacles and dare to go for the GOLD-- in whatever their passion and definitely in the game of life.

Morgan Montoya