Hi,
From September, 2006 to July, 2007, the admired Anthony Edwards, best known for his eight year run as emergency room doctor, Dr. Mark Greene, on the hit television show, "ER", as well as his infamous role as Goose, in "Top Gun", traveled with his wife and four children on an around the world journey. Their trip focused mainly on the Mara (one of the 26 regions of Tanzania named after the Mara River); the Maasai Mara, a large game reserve in south-western Kenya, and the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park--named after the Masaai people, an indigenous African ethnic group, and traditional inhabitants of the area.
While he and his family were on safari, a young Masaai, and scout named, Ole Kane Lettura, also referred to as Lettura, was working for a safari company in Western Kenya. Lettura, with a peaceful, down to earth disposition, took to the Edwards', and invited Anthony on a run through the camp, explaining how much he loved to run, "how running was like a big game and a lot of fun". As they ran together, they grew closer, sharing stories about one another's family and friends, and Anthony thought it would be a great experience to offer Lettura the opportunity to participate in the 2007 ING NYC Marathon, while raising awareness for the organization, "Shoe4Africa.org".
Abridged Interview with Anthony Edwards
SA: What drew you to the cause Shoe4Africa? How did you get involved?
AE: "I met the CEO/Founder of "Shoe4Africa", and coach, Tobey Tanser, in New York City. I am drawn to entrepreneurs, however, it wasn't until my family and I went on an around the world trip and actually saw a "Shoe4Africa" event first hand. They were helping to empower and respect women in Kenya, empowering local women though sports activities, community events and providing scholarships for schoolgirls in Kenya and Tanzania. I knew this was the organization for me."
SA: Tell us About Shoe for Africa's Other Focuses...
AE: "Shoe4Africa" is just the first step in education and health initatives, because we are a small organization, we can be proactive on different events. For example, after the violence occurred following the December 2007 elections, we promoted peace through the Kenyan Peace Races to bring rival tribes together. Also as a result of the violence, we also came up with the hospital idea. There are currently no Children's Hospitals in Kenya."
-Article by Sharon Abella
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