Our Success Stories
Jothy Rosenberg
From cancer survivor and amputee to entrepreneur, athlete, author, and advocate, Jothy Rosenberg is living proof that limitations do not define a life. Courage does.
At just nineteen years old, Jothy Rosenberg’s life changed forever when osteosarcoma led to the amputation of his leg in 1973. Only three years later, cancer struck again, metastasizing to his lungs and requiring the removal of two-fifths of them. With the help of a then-new course of chemotherapy, Jothy survived what could have easily ended his story.
Instead, it became the beginning of an extraordinary one.
Over the decades that followed, Jothy refused to let hardship determine his future. He earned a PhD in computer science, served on the faculty at Duke University for five years, authored multiple books, and founded nine high-tech companies. His accomplishments alone would be remarkable for anyone, but what makes his story especially powerful is the spirit behind them: a lifelong determination to move forward, adapt, and keep proving that “can’t” has no final say.
Jothy also turned his resilience into action for others. Through athletic fundraising efforts, he has raised more than $250,000 for meaningful causes. He has ridden in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge eighteen times in support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and has completed thirty swims from Alcatraz to San Francisco to benefit the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program. These are not just feats of endurance. They are acts of generosity, purpose, and hope.
In 2013, he founded The Who Says I Can’t Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring the self-esteem of young people who become disabled by helping provide adaptive equipment for the challenging activities they most want to pursue. It is a mission deeply rooted in his own lived experience and in his belief that disability should never mean the end of adventure, ambition, or self-worth.
Today, Jothy continues to inspire through his book, Who Says I Can’t, where he shares what he has learned from more than five decades as a cancer survivor, amputee, entrepreneur, athlete, and trauma survivor. His story is not only about overcoming obstacles. It is about building a meaningful life beyond them, and using that life to lift others.
With a loving family, a legacy of service, and a life defined by grit and generosity, Jothy Rosenberg stands as a powerful example of what is possible when courage meets purpose.
Dr. Luck (DAF), Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Ambassador Bennett (DAF)
Let’s take a closer look at the captivating story of H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennett, an individual whose life has been profoundly intertwined with the African continent for over four remarkable decades. Dr. Bennett’s diverse roles as an author, motivational speaker, and generous contributor to various charitable causes underscore her deep commitment to making a difference.
However, her true calling and life’s passion lie in her role as the convening founder and Head of Mission of the African Union (AU) Diaspora African Forum (DAF). DAF holds the distinction of being the first and only diplomatic mission dedicated to the recognition and reintegration of the African Diaspora, often referred to as the 6th Region. Ambassador Bennett stands as a valued asset to Africans in the Diaspora who share her unwavering commitment to the continent’s development.
Under her visionary leadership, DAF spearheads numerous initiatives, forging essential connections between the mission, the African Union, Member States, and other stakeholders. These collaborations focus on critical areas such as Diaspora investment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, contributing significantly to Africa’s advancement.
Dr. Bennett’s illustrious career has seen her play pivotal roles in the development of initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Her expertise extends to advisory roles in shaping the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Her contributions to the inaugural African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU ECOSSOC) further underscore her influential presence in the African diplomatic landscape.
Notably, Dr. Bennett’s dedication to empowering African women has earned her acclaim, culminating in the prestigious “African Woman of the Year” award at the 1st African Women’s Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. She was recognized in the category of mentoring, a testament to her unwavering support and mentorship of African women.
In addition to her outstanding achievements in diplomacy and advocacy, Dr. Bennett is the talented author of four compelling books. Her motto, “We create our world,” serves as a guiding principle in her life’s work and accomplishments.
We believe that your book, with its unique perspective and insights, is poised to capture the hearts and minds of readers who share a passion for African diplomacy, development, and empowerment. The interest we’ve already generated demonstrates the growing anticipation for your book’s release, and we are thrilled to continue sharing your remarkable story with a broader audience.
Stay Tuned for her UPCOMING book – Just Be – Aging Gracefully.
