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Parents honor daughter, urge Texans to become organ donors [HD]

Kelly Curran — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:48:45 +0000

Lauren Lupher was born with a pediatric neurotransmitter disorder. After battling the disease for thirteen years, she passed away in 2007.

“This music box is how I put Lauren to sleep every night,” said Lauren’s mother Linda Lupher. “One day after she passed away, I tried to play it, but it wouldn’t play. It was just so worn out so I never tried it again. But when Susan came over the first time, I showed her Lauren’s room. Susan turned on the music box, and it played perfectly.”

Susan Hernandez, who suffered from a life-altering kidney disease, is the recipient of one of Lauren’s kidneys. The music box which still plays today is no doubt symbolic of the new life Lauren gave to Hernandez. Lauren’s parents say organ donation wasn’t even a question. It was just the right thing for them to do.

“This gave us something positive out of the death of a child,” said Linda. “I can’t imagine not having that, because then the death would just feel like a death.”

Thanks to organ donation, Hernandez, who was once dependent on dialysis, says her quality of life is now one hundred and ten percent.

“It’s fabulous,” said Hernandez. “I try to live life to the fullest. I do things that I never used to do before. I feel like a teenager all over again. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad thing.”

Linda now dedicates much of her time to the organ procurement agency LifeGift. She says it’s a way to honor her daughter, while helping to educate Texans on the importance of registering to become an organ donor. There are two ways to become an organ donor. You can register online at donatelifetexas.org. Or you can register while getting or renewing your driver’s license. The questions are basic and the process takes just a few minutes.

“Here in Texas there are almost eleven thousand waiting for some type of transplant,” said Managing Director of LifeGift Ron Ehrle. “Here in Fort Worth there are about one thousand and four hundred individuals waiting for a transplant.”

One donor has the potential to save eight lives. Lauren was able to donate both kidneys and her heart valves. It’s a gift that has special meaning not only to Hernandez, but to the Lupher’s as well.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receivers could be best in NFL [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:14:27 +0000

Last season the Dallas Cowboys offense was among the league leaders in yards gained but struggled to get the ball into the end zone.

“That’s a huge area for us to work on,” said Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. ” I think we all understand that and know that.”

In an attempt to correct its red zone issues, the Cowboys drafted all-American wide out Dez Bryant.

“This day was one of the best days of my life because I am on a team that I always dreamed about being on,” said Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant.

The Dallas Cowboys wide receivers are loaded with talent.

“We are paper champs,” said Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams. “I mean it looks good on paper but we are going to have to come out here and work.”

“We are really really talented from top to bottom,” said Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Kevin Ogletree. We have ten guys out there and we are all working. It builds our unit stronger, makes our team better and competition brings out the best in me.”

“The thing that impresses me most about our receiver and really our whole football team is how guys approach their job,” said Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. “There is great enthusiasm for playing football and great enthusiasm for learning.”

With break out star Miles Austin and pro bowler Roy Williams head lining this wide receiver core, the young Dallas Cowboys wide receivers have their work cut out for them.

“I just want to help as much as I can,” said Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Manuel Johnson. “I want to win even if I have to play a lot of special teams.”

“I have always had a lot to prove so I am always going to work hard regardless,” said Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Sam Hurd.

As training camp progresses the wide receiving core is emerging as one of the deepest and most talented units in the NFL.

“We work well together,” said Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton. “Everyone wants to talk about Super Bowl. Our most important game right now is the Washington Redskins. We have fun together. We push each other and make each other better.”

Having depth and talent at the wide receiver position may be the answer for the Dallas Cowboys offense to get back to the playoffs.

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Dallas Cowboys play kickball for struggling kids [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:58:14 +0000

By all accounts the 1st Annual Andre Gurode Celebrity Weekend was a huge success thanks to the Center of Attention Foundation teaming up with Promise House.

“Promise House is a program that offers numerous different services for young people,” said Promise House client Lorena Watson.

Dallas Cowboys Andre Gurode has moved from the center of the field to the center of attention to raise money for underprivileged youth.

“I think anytime that you’re in the spotlight you should do something to give back to the community,” said Dallas Cowboys Center Andre Gurode. “Tonight we’re having a Casino Night and tomorrow we’re having the kickball tournament.”

With the Casino Night a fund raising success the charity activities shifted to the kickball field at Sportsplex at Valley View in Dallas.

“I’m not a celebrity,” said Dallas Cowboys Tight End Martellus Bennett. “I’m just a guy whose blessed enough to do a hobby for his way of living so whatever you can do to help the kids. It’s all about the kids.”

“I get to let my inner child out right now and place some kickball,” said Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Sam Hurd. “I haven’t done this in years. I want to still see if I got it.”

“We come to win,” said Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Patrick Crayton. “We’re not taking any prisoners. It’s for a good cause but I’m to competitive to just get out here and play just for fun.”

“For a lot of these kids they have a lot of negative stuff going on in their lives,” said Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jason Witten. “To be able to put a smile on their face to really teach them and encourage them that’s what it’s really all about.”

Gurode kicked the game winning kick to win the kickball game. This topped off the Center of Attention Foundation’s Celebrity Weekend all benefiting the youngsters of Promise House.

“We’ll most definitely think about doing this again next year,” said Gurode.

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2010 Jason Witten Football Camp [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:54:00 +0000

The NFL off season is all about the kids for Dallas Cowboy tight end Jason Witten.

“To have this football camp here is a humbling experience for me,” said Jason Witten. “I think it’s great to get back out in this community that’s done so much for me.”

Jason Witten teamed up with camp sponsors Raising Cane’s and Snickers to host the two day Old Spice youth football camp.

“There’s boys and girls here so you don’t have to have any experience,” said Witten. “We want them to come out. It’s amazing you can encourage these kids in two days. It’s definitely humbling for me.”

Witten and teammates got some one on one time with the campers. Many of the parents watched the kids participate in the camp from the bleachers.

“So far he hasn’t acknowledged me that I’m here or looked over my way so I think he’s having a lot of fun,” said parent Lisa Parish.

Witten hopes the kids learn more then just football skills.

“There’s so many other things that I want to encourage them in other ways like how important school is and just doing the right things and beings good young boys and girls,” said Witten. “That’s just as important as the football stuff.”

“It’s a person for the kids to look up to and for them to show their character while they’re here it shows the kids that they’re real people just like them,” said Parish.

This unique camp experience is creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.

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High school star running back Herschel Sims [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:43:17 +0000

Abilene High School running back Herschel Sims has flown under the radar for most of his career. That is until this year where he has single handedly rewritten the schools rushing and scoring records; launching himself into the national spotlight as one of the top running backs in Texas.

“I’m able to start this year,” said Abilene High School running back Herschel Sims. “I’ve gotten a lot of reps in. I’ve played more received then I did last year.”

What has made Sims so successful this season is an intangible that cannot be coached.

“The thing that I think that makes him special is he’s extremely talented,” said Abilene High School head coach Steve Warren. “There’s a lot of talented football players but he works hard. I’ve seen in high school football a lot of kids will rely on their talent but he’s mastered the work ethic.”

Abilene High School running back Herschel Sims

That work ethic has allowed him to rush for over 2,000 yards and score 39 touch downs this yer along with earning the respect of his teammates.

“He works hard,” said Abilene High School quarterback Ronnell Sims. “He’s not a real cocky guy. He just comes out and does the best he can everyday.”

Sims has led the Eagles to a perfect 14-0 record. The team advanced to the state finals for the first time since 1956. His break out season has drawn the interest of more than 12 elite college programs across the country. Sims, however, isn’t rushing to a decision anytime soon.

“I’ll have to take a couple more visits and just see what happens,” said Herschel Sims. “I got to pray about it and talk to my mom about it but I don’t plan on making any decision soon.”

Coach Warren is certain about Sims ability at the next level.

“I think he’ll be great,” said Warren. “I don’t think he’ll have any problems with that. The thing that excites me is he’s committed to Abilene High School for one more year. He’s just a junior!”

The Junior running back no doubt has a bright future ahead of him. With a humble persona and a passion for his craft he is laying the foundation to fulfill his dream of someday playing in the NFL someday.

“I want to go to college and make a name for myself,” said Herschel Sims. “I want to be a great person as well. I know a lot of people they go to the pros and you hardly hear of them after that back in their hometown. I just want to be that person that doesn’t forget where you come from just because you made it.”

Another goal Sims has for himself is he wants to meeting NFL Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

“I would Love to meet Adrian Peterson,” said Herschel Sims. “Man I would love to meet Adrian. That would be the day. Hopefully I’ll meet him someday. We’ll play each other in the pros if he’s still there.”

With dreams of playing in the NFL the 5 foot 10 inch, 185 pound junior star running back, has made a name for himself in the Abilene High School history books. He has also launched himself into the National spotlight as one of the most complete backs in the 2011 recruiting class. Sports fans, keep your eye out for Herschel Sims.

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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders reveal their fitness secrets [HD]

Candice Benjamin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:32:25 +0000

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are releasing their new workout DVDs nationwide tomorrow.

“The DVDs are awesome because they actually feature things that we really do to stay in shape,” said Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Ally Traylor. “First and foremost we’re mainly a dance team. We dance all the way throughout the game. There are 3 different types of workout. You have everything from a calorie blasting dance cardio workout and you got a hard body bootcamp. You also got a body slimming yoga.”

Along with exercise the cheerleaders stay fit by keeping healthy snacks at their finger tips.

“Our best friend are those individual packets of tuna and almonds,” said Traylor. “We cannot get enough almonds. There are almonds all over our locker room. We always have huge bags of apples.”

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders director Kelli Finglass’s office has become emphasis for the room where the cheerleaders get cut from the team during the women’s training camp.

“It’s maybe uncomfortable for me that my office has now become kind of the dooms day for many of them but there’s also a lot of good things that happen in that office to.”

Finglass says good health habits is a main focus for the organization.

“They don’t focus on diet, starvation or skinny,” said Finglass. “They focus on burning calories, cardio, strength, flexibility and conditioning. If somebody does the workout over and over they’ll actually know some of our choreography and recognize some of it on the field.”

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders workout DVDs hit shelves on October 6th nationwide.

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