Legendary Blog

Tennis pro Andrea Jaeger's Little Star Foundation has reached thousands of children stricken by disease, neglect, poverty, natural disaster, abuse and hunger.

After retiring from professional tennis she started the foundation, but Jaeger's mission in making a difference is deep rooted dating back before her tennis years.  She took her first courageous act at age fifteen.  Andrea went to visit a children's hospital with a big bag of toys.  Upon her visit she was amazed that these children, who were going through chemo treatments, were still laughing and happy to have another day.

"Here, I thought I was Santa Clause, but they were the ones that truly knew what life was about," says Jaerger.

Never forgetting the impact that day had on her, Jaeger would continue to make the effort to reach out to these children.  She did not succumb to the busy lifestyle of competing around the world as reason not to make time for these children.

Jaeger's resilience has been inspirational, as she continues to transform obstacles into opportunity.  Now with the economic downturn the Little Star Foundation is hitting difficult times.

What is the purpose of music?  It's existence parallels our own and countless amounts of people have made its intricate beauty their personal passion.  The purpose of creating meaningful rhythms through auditory vibrations aimed to be heard by the masses of people who crave its existence is a calling many find value in.  And yet more simply put the creation of music is an enhancement to our lives.

For Coldplay enhancing others lives does not stop at musical innovation and production.  No, their drive for difference echoes louder than just concerts.  They dedicate themselves to the world's agriculture and fair trade practices.

Chris Martin believes in and is a part of Make Fair Trade, a campaign that strives to eliminate unfair wages and promote labor rights.

What if we lived in a world where the unthinkable could in fact become possible, even likely.  Where outlandish thoughts that would have previously been disregarded, come to life.  Where wishes can come true.

Our beliefs create reality.  Make-A-Wish Foundation believes in seeing wishes come true.  And wishes by their very nature are formed off the largest hopes and tiniest odds.

So when Joe, a seven year old diagnosed with a brain stem tumor, wished he could be prime minister for the day, Make-A-Wish Foundation did just that.

Joining efforts with British Prime Minister David Cameron, they were able to create a very special day for a very special child.

Nestling himself into the Prime Minister's chair, Joe was ready to get to work.  He spent the morning discussing and drafting some crucial policies with Mr. Cameron.

Last Thursday Jack Johnson received the "Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award" at the first ever National Geographic Evening of Exploration gala.

Johnson grew up on the North Shore of Oahu surfing and playing guitar.  Protecting the environment has been a keen belief of his growing up, so when success hit Johnson directed the spotlight in this direction.

Johnson has integrated the support of environmental education into his daily life.  He has founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, both of which seek to bring awareness and application to environmental issues.

But his actions reach further than starting up foundations and supporting charities.  Johnson has set the building blocks to creating a greener tour life.  Currently on his "To The Sea" tour, he encourages concert goers to fill up reusable water bottles from free water stations at every venue

If you could choose one voice to narrate the rest of your life, Morgan Freeman's would probably surface to the top of your list.  With his countless cinematic appearances and an on stage presence you just can't get enough of, Freeman has just taken it a step further upping the stakes for philanthropic contributions.

Partnering with PLAN!T NOW, a non-profit organization founded by Freeman in 2004 to educate and empower people about natural disasters in coastal regions, he is launching a website Bahamas Hurricane Prep, a website whose mission is to prepare the island nation for hurricane season.

"We are approaching some of the most severe and deadly weather months across the country and have already witnessed the devastating impact hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters can have on our families, our communities, homes and businesses," Freeman concluded.

Not waiting for disaster to strike, this organization is taking a proactive strategy to prepare and educate islanders on the impact of hurricanes, lists of emergency shelters, and links with immediate information about impending storms.

The Hollywood Pledge enables celebrities to bring awareness to philanthropic causes.  The idea being that fans of these big name stars will become aware and follow the example of volunteering or donating to philanthropies and charities.

Social capital can be much more precious than plain old cash.  Justin Bieber's ability to tweet something to 120 million people could prove more effective than a $100,000 donation in some ways.

The Hollywood Pledge website features pictures of celebrities who have singed on along with names of their favorite non-profits.

So far almost 50 celebrities have signed up on this recent philanthropic launch.

What is so extraordinary about this effort is that it opens the doors to long term, consistent action.  As oppose to a one time large donation, celebrities are pointing the spotlight at the charities closest to their hearts.

The media's spotlight is always shifting and so our awareness shifts with it.  What we tend to forget is that even though the mass focus is no longer centered on a specific issue, does not mean it is no longer a problem.

It has been 15 months since the earthquake in Haiti.  Time has cast the illusion that normal has been restored, when realism shows that there is still much to be done.

Haitians are still struggling for basic human essentials - food, water, shelter, and electricity.  There is still a lot of need, still a lot of attention necessary for change.

Linkin Park's Dave Farrell took a trip to Haiti to witness firsthand the rehabilitation of country who just over a year ago lay victim to Mother Natures sheer dominance.

Farrell hopes his trip will bring awareness back to a forgotten disaster.  He encourages fans to Download to Donate.  The proceeds from each purchase support recovery efforts in this resilient country.

Singer Keith Duffy cycled 320km through the alps in Europe to help raise money for Irish Autism Action, a charity that helps in raising the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by autism.

This cause sits close to heart of Boyzone's lead singer, as his daughter has been diagnosed with Autism.

Duffy's actions speak louder then any amount of words.  "My knees are sore, but are holding up so far, but all the pain will be worth it," he said.

This is not the first stroke of action Duffy has taken.  He completed the London Marathon this past April to help raise awareness for autism.  With his first hand experience, he knows what a difference the right support can make - and make a difference he intends.

Nick Cannon knows what it is like to not know where your next meal is coming from.   He knows this because he grew up in poverty.  Pouring sugar packets in between two slices of bread was one of the ways he got from meal to meal.

"I remember being so excited when the holidays came around, and we'd get to go to the local food bank to get our holiday turkey," says Cannon.

Now in a position to give back, Cannon is grateful.  Teaming up with Feeding America, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and Campbell Soup Company, he encourages everyone to donate non-perishable foods.

With action spreading and impact becoming contagious Campbell Soup has pledged to donate one pound of food (up to one million pounds) for every person who joins the Stamp Out Hunger Cause on Facebook.

Everyone knows the importance of feeding the hungry, but you never really are grateful for being full until you've gone a couple days being hungry.  This is what makes Cannon's beliefs so powerful.  He has been exposed to multiple realities.

A star studded cast is lined up for this trailer, but it is not for some action packed adventure film or glossy, romantic comedy.  It is for a belief in zero.

22,000 children die each day due to unclean water supplies, hostile living conditions, and malnourishment. "They do not have to die, but they do," says singer and performer Joel Madden.

Food, medicine, and clean water.  Each of these are so common in our life, we think nothing of it.  Routine and typical to us, is life or death for children of third world countries.  If these resources are so abundant that we think little of letting the faucet run an extra 2 minutes or throw away a meal that was too big to finish, then why are these children dying due to lack of access to it?

Is it that no one knows? "They're pain is unseen by the rest of the world," says actor Liam Neeson.  How are we to create a solution, when we are not even aware there is a problem?

It is the spreading of this awareness and the belief in zero that makes this movement legendary.  "22,000 children die each day, and I believe that number can be zero," says actress Tea Leoni.

Will Ferrell follows a cause close to his heart, raising money for Cancer for College.  A $25 donation could win you an autographed copy of Anchorman on DVD and a $21 donation gets you three bottles of sunscreen, each with a photo of Ferrel on it.

"Is there a better way to tell that special someone you'd like to take your relationship to the next level? The answer is NO, there is not," Ferrell factually reports.

Craig Pollard was Ferrel's good college friend and two-time cancer survivor.

"He is hands down the strongest person I know," explains Ferrell. "He didn't let cancer run his life and continued to live a normal life and even excelled in school.  He survived cancer twice before attending college."

Completely inspired by Craig, Ferrell does the only thing he knows how to - make people laugh.  His sunscreen lotions come in a variety of fragrances with an assortment of "sexy" pictures of Ferrell on the front.

With families bank accounts being drained in the effort to keep their children alive, Cancer for College raises money to help these survivors be able to afford the opportunity to attend college.

It has been nearly a year since the chaos and catastrophe of the BP oil spill.  Still remnants of oil are surfacing on shorelines and an entire eco system faces sizable risk.

Besides Kevin Costner's reoccurring roles in ecologically minded movies, he has taken a more direct step in safeguarding the environment from catastrophe.

Partnering with Ocean Therapy Solutions, Costner has developed giant drum-shaped machines that act as giant vacuum cleaners, separating the water from the oil.

Costner wants to ensure that a crisis like this does not come up again.  Even after the spotlight of the media has shifted off BP, Costner keeps the pressure on these corporate giants and their accountability.

These giant vacuums can suck 200,000 gallons of oil and water a day.  A significant difference compared to the workers that used hand held suction devices collecting oil one, tiny patch at a time a year ago. It's like trying to bail out water from an ocean liner with a thimble.  Costner's apparatus is designed to separate oil from huge volumes of water, creating a sizable difference, and saving an ecosystem that is already at risk.

Although the war in Eastern Congo ended in 2003, conditions remain far from adequate.  During terrible times, efforts are focused to giving aid and relief.  But perhaps one of the most dangerous times is when the focus dissipates and the needs remain dire.

Without the Congo's status being labeled with the looming proposition of war, awareness has shifted, while its inhabitants remain subjected to terrible brutalization.

In an effort to bring aid to a country who currently in not receiving any, Ben Affleck testified on behalf of Eastern Congo before the House of Foreign Affairs Subcommittee.

Affleck pleaded, "Woman and girls particularly have been so terribly brutalized there.  They're vulnerable and they don't have a government or stable military to protect them. "

Affleck will not sit back and let a country's citizens be torn apart.  After all, what chance do we have in a world where good people do nothing.

Being Legendary is nothing simpler than action.  Sometimes it takes a tuned awareness to see these opportunities, others it just takes a little bit of courage.

Either way, the ability resides inside of you.

Any True Blood fan would recognize Ryan Kwanten who plays Jason Stackhouse in this blood thirsty vampire series.  But, it wasn't his recognition that lead to his legendary actions, it was his courage.

While driving in Los Angeles Kwanten noticed a man in the middle of a vacant intersection bleeding on the street. Ryan pulled over and helped this stranger, carrying the man from the street to the sidewalk.

Making sure he was alright, Ryan waited with this man until paramedics arrived.

This legendary act was not about fame or some special set of circumstances it was about helping others.

Everyone needs to be rescued at some point in time.  Whether it be a stranger in a street intersection or a friend who is in a rut, seeing and acting on these opportunities are the underpinnings of a meaningful impact and that is far from famous, it is legendary.

Japan, no doubt, has been shaken.  Earthquakes turn to tsunamis, tsunamis cause nuclear horror. The Japanese people are in a living turmoil not knowing what is going to happen or who is going to help.

Lady Gaga sends a message of hope.  Recording a video, her message of love means more than one can imagine to a person who has lost everything.

Gaga has also been selling a newly created bracelet that says "Pray for Japan" in both English and Japanese characters.  The proceeds, which currently exceed $1.5 million, are going directly to Japan relief efforts.

What these people are enduring is horrific and terrible.  But the actions of camaraderie, compassion, and kindness have powers that can trump the visceral, awesomeness of mother nature.  It is this love for others that can produce the most extraordinary outcomes.  With fiscal, emotional, and physical support all spawning from a belief of helping our fellow inhabitants of this world, we are showing what we truly are capable of and that is far from famous - it is legendary.

I always find "do you know" statistics to be so alarming.  Nestled in the top right hand corner of New Jersey, surrounded by cities, stores, homes, and other luxuries, I really don't have a sense for what occurs outside this bubble.  But alarming and shocking statistics can snap us from this waking splendor of life and open our awareness to other worlds.

900 million people do not have access to clean water, nearly half being children.

To think something so common, is so precious.  There must be something we can do.  Well, in 2007 the Unicef Tap Project was created based off the initial premise that participating restaurants would ask patrons to pay $1 for tap water that they normally get for free.

That $1 would provide a person clean drinking water for 40 days.

This idea is amazing yet simple and easily practiced.  The cause has grown and to help promote and provide incentives, celebrities have jumped on board.

People express themselves in a manner of ways.  Life is beautiful because of this.  Yet, we tend to have a rigid focus when self-expression does not meet status quo.

Signature strengths come in all different shapes and sizes.  Kate Nash recognizes the discouragement people face who struggle in common and conventional areas of life, such as academia.   Kate knows and believes that just because your strengths do not reside in one specific area does not mean you are not smart.

Kate Nash believes in empowering individuals, and helping them recognize their self worth and focus on their core strengths.  Last month she launched her Rock 'N Roll for Girls After School Music Club in Los Angeles giving encouragement, feedback and a means for these girls to find their talent.

Kate believes in the power of music.  But she expands the versatility of her beliefs by using her passions to provide encouragement for others.  This wholesome idea isn't just legendary because of its innate goodness or hints of charity.  It is legendary because of the authenticity rooted at the reason for this idea's existence.

Experiences change our lives.  Good, bad, whatever the content of our occurrences may be, we move forward with a newfound appreciation.

Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.  New mom and renowned celebrity, Christina shares her stories and the perspectives she's gained when loss was such a promising outcome.

"I've had to talk about that word, cancer, more than I've ever had to talk about a word in my life…After a while, you're like, there has got to be something else to me."

Applegate now in control of her cancer empowers others to find "something else within".  She has founded Right Action for Women, which educates women about breast cancer, directs them to resources for screening, and helps provide financial aid for those who cannot afford the expensive process.

Our perspective is what we choose to look at, what story we choose to tell ourselves, and what we choose to believe in.  If we think and believe in negativity, then that is all we will ever see.  But if we belief in something else, if we believe in something better, then a world of bright spots begins to unfold.

Mark Ruffalo brings awareness to one of these bright spots, as he brings to light a donation of 25,000 books to New York area schools.  Hosted by Target and guided by joint efforts of the New York City Public Library and The National Education Association's "Read Across America" program, this event celebrates the joy of reading and the accessibly of these new recourses.

Ever hear of Shiners Hospital?  It provides free healthcare for children living with burns, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic conditions, and cleft lip and palate.  At the backbone of this awe-inspiring organization is none other, but that one time boy band pop star, Justin Timberlake.

His career has taken notable steps forward, but so has his ideas of contribution.  Justin does not shy away from challenge, and what could be more challenging then one of the most controversial  and debated topics in the US - healthcare.

But Justin circumvented petty politics and got right to the real issue at hand, children who need help. This hospitable is a forum of change, for it impacts hundreds of lives every week.

Don't have your StillerStrong headband!? What are you waiting for? Ben Stiller has ignited a viral effect of StillerStrong headbands.  The cause of these bands runs deeper then their general aesthetically pleasing effects.  It carries with it an impact.  Based on Stiller's core beliefs that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, he has tipped the first domino to making a difference.

Stiller's awareness shifted after his trip to Haiti.  You can see pictures on the internet and hear about it on your TV, but the ultimate experience lies in the heart of Haiti, in meeting its people, in rebuilding its lands. Stiller immediately sought action after becoming aware of a community school's lack of classrooms and access to clean drinking water.

Legendary is something we already have inside of us. We just need to call on it, wield it, and take the time and effort to pursue it.  When your beliefs are at it's backbone, your awareness, its forefront, and courage fuels its progression, legendary is no longer an adjective of an action it is the description of your life.

Rachel Shenton, 23 year-old actress on Hollyoaks, is about to make a legendary leap.  On Saturday March 26, Rachel will be jumping from an airplane at an altitude of 10,000 feet with a slender backpack containing a nylon parachute.

Find A Dream is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to a community of children working towards fulfilling a dream.  Encouraging children that dreams could in fact become reality..that's big.  Sometimes I sit and wonder what the world would be like if each and every person pursued that one dream that has only been envisioned in a dark room, lying on pillows and bundled up in covers.

Well instead of just sitting around wondering, Quinton Aaron decides to take action.  "My goal is is to pretty much let kids know that no matter what their past or current position is, or whatever problems they may have gone through or are going through, they can get to where they want to be in life,” said Aaron.

The Bieber Fever epidemic strikes again.  Young pop sensation, Justin Bieber is hosting this year's America's Biggest Bedtime Story.  In and effort to inspire kids to read more, Justin will be reading the childhood classic, The Cat in the Hat, online at http://www.bookitprogram.com/.

On top of that, if this years web attendance surpasses last years, then BOOK IT!, a national reading incentive program, will donate $25,000 to Pencils of Promise.  Bieber seemed to have ignited a domino effect of impact.  It seems one helpful act uncovers another, and that first act wasn't anything huge. No red carpet or spot lights.  No flashing paparazzi or multimillion dollar donation.  No, just the small act of reading a book.  In hopes of encouraging kids to grab a book, read along, and have some fun Bieber will have his webcast reading February 15, at 8 a.m. CST.

Its wonderful how good things tend to have a snowball effect.  But break it down and that large mound of snow all started with a minuscule, drifting snowflake.  And thats what Be Legendary is all about.  The everyday good things we do.  We need to celebrate that.

Justin Bieber understands the power of these tiny snowflakes and what they can turn into.  What better way help out then reading your favorite childhood book.  His web reading is aimed to encourage kids to want to read, but his action focuses on the broader idea of making a difference, and that is far from famous - it is legendary.

Sir Ian Mckellen, might better be recognized with long, white hair and a tall, magical staff.  This actor played the part of a heroic, wizard Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In East London, there is a charity called Step Forward.  They provide information, advice, counseling, and personal training to the youth of Tower Hamlets, a province in the East End of London.  This service holds no cost and services people aged 11-25.  With a goal aimed at enhancing lives, Step Forward actively challenges discrimination welcoming people from all sections of the community regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or social economic status.