TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH

On 4-13-14, my cousin Antonio "Tony" Franklin Jr. was hit by a stray bullet while sitting in a park on a Sunday afternoon talking to friends. This made the normal "Shooting" "Gun Violence" I see every night on the news and internet that I had become numb to VERY real. On 4-14-14 in the morning, I made a post on Facebook asking for prayers for a miracle that he would pull through.
I believe in miracles and kept faith that everything would be okay despite the diagnosis that his chances of survival were slim. Many friends offered kind words, prayers and support. The overwhelming show of empathy and care from strangers for my cousin and family touched my heart to the point that I had to pull over and just let out a cry. They were tears of humility and gratitude for the compassion my family was shown.

Unfortunately, Tony's injuries were too severe and he passed later that day. When I heard the news I went through a range of emotion from anger to sadness, pain and helplessness. Looking for inspirational quotes to keep me positive, I came across the Edmund Burke quote that said "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." At that moment, I didn't feel the sadness that I had felt earlier. Something had changed in me. I knew that God was telling me to do something. I said to myself, "Have faith. Don't lose hope in humanity and shut down. Don't let evil win by doing nothing. Find purpose in this. Find a way to turn tragedy into triumph. Turn this tragedy into a TRIUMPH! I WILL TRIUMPH!"

I kept repeating "I WILL TRIUMPH" and each time I found strength and energy surging through my body and soul. Those three words helped me find my purpose and TRIUMPH was born.

Throughout my relatively short life, I have had many friends and family members die due to various circumstances; illness, leukemia, cancer, suicide, drunk driving, substance abuse, diabetes, gun violence and mental health issues. Unfortunately, the list goes on and on. I didn't realize until now that all those tragedies were preparation for what is happening right now. I always felt like there was nothing I could do to help, but now I know that there is. I'm using the gifts and resources that I have available to the best of my ability. I know that my most valuable resource will always be the people that surround me. I cannot do this alone. I wouldn't want to. I will if I have to, but I know you won't let me.

I know that the purpose of TRIUMPH is to spread the message that people can triumph over any circumstances as long as they believe in a solution and never quit taking steps toward the goal. Whatever their goal is. Whether it's a big or a small. Never give up. TRIUMPH!
We sincerely thank you for your support and your prayers we start this movement together.
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