Dream Again: A Story of Faith, Courage, and the Tenacity to Overcome

Description

The inspiring story of Isaiah Austin, the man who captured our hearts when he was made the honorary NBA draft pick after a shocking diagnosis ended his professional basketball career before he could even step onto the court. "There are two choices in life: you make it your excuse or you make it your story." Isaiah Austin's mother shared these words of wisdom with him as a child as he came to terms with a torn retina taking away the ability to see with his right eye. Faced with adversity at a young age, Isaiah had to choose-let his disability define him or overcome the challenge and shine. Overcoming that challenge is exactly what Isaiah did as he made a name for himself on Baylor University's NCAA Division 1 basketball team. Everyone expected Isaiah to have a successful career in the NBA after college, but on June 21, 2014-just five days before the NBA draft-Austin was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, putting him at risk of rupturing his heart if he continued to play basketball. In seconds, Austin's hopes for a career in the NBA became impossible. After hearing about Isaiah's diagnosis, NBA commissioner Adam Silver invited Austin to attend the 2014 draft as his personal guest. The League recognized Isaiah's courage, resilience, and determination in a bittersweet moment when he was made an Honorary Draft Pick. Rather than letting another challenge destroy his faith, Austin has once again strived to overcome adversity by becoming a spokesperson for The Marfan Foundation, raising awareness and understanding for the disease. He has also founded his own non-profit organization, The Isaiah Austin Foundation, to provide support and research for Marfan syndrome and those affected by it. Despite the many heartbreaking challenges he has faced, Isaiah's story is inspirational and full of hope as he encourages everyone to tower in the face of adversity and keep living out their dreams, no matter what life throws their way. The book includes a foreword from Robert Griffin III-the Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback.

Isaiah Austin completed his very successful college career for the Baylor Bears in 2014. He had been considered a first-round prospect until he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome just days prior to the NBA Draft. On June 26, 2014, between the fifteenth and sixteenth picks of the 2014 Draft, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made Austin a ceremonial pick, which fulfilled his dream of getting drafted. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as he walked up to the podium. Robert Griffin III played college football at Baylor University, where he won the 2011 Heisman Trophy. Griffin won the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, leading Washington to the top of their division and their first playoff appearance in five seasons. He currently serves as NFL and College Football analyst for ESPN. You can follow Robert on Twitter and Instagram @RGIII.

"Isaiah is an amazing young man with a very inspiring, and compelling story that is a must read!" -- Carmelo Anthony "People talk about how Isaiah "lost his dream," but as his friend I have learned to see it differently. This is why everyone should read this book: We all have dreams that are really important to us. Most of us can relate to how hard it is when things happen and those dreams slip away. But, very few people I've known understand what it means or what it requires to really dream again. Isaiah Austin has a lot to teach us about the toughness, faith, and trust in God it takes to find new dreams. . . . I truly believe that Isaiah's faith has placed him right where God needs him the most. I think my friend's story has the power to inspire you, strengthen your faith, and help you learn what it means to dream again in your life." -- Robert Griffin III * Heisman Trophy Winner * Isaiah Austin is an inspiration to me and the entire NBA family. Despite losing his sight in one eye at the age of fourteen, Isaiah worked his way to a potential first-round selection in the NBA Draft. When a diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome cut his basketball career short, he devoted himself to raising awareness about the condition and encouraging others to pursue their passion. With this book, Isaiah's story of perseverance will resonate far beyond the world of basketball. -- Adam Silver * NBA Commissioner * "Coaching is a very difficult profession-I am sure that most coaches would agree with me on that. At the same time, I don't think that there is a more rewarding way to spend life than working with young men on a daily basis. Being able to coach Isaiah Austin has truly been a blessing. In fact, I believe that I have learned more from that experience than I was able to teach him-I know that he inspired me beyond measure. Isaiah is a success story! He is the definition of perseverance-a true overcomer and an inspiration to all. Isaiah's story is told beautifully in this book, and anyone reading it will truly be blessed. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to witness some of Isaiah's story firsthand, and because of that I am a better man." -- Coach Scott Drew * Baylor University Head Basketball Coach *