Napa Valley Register Editorial

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Ten years ago, when he was 5, he was diagnosed with cancer. Since then, he has become an active volunteer in his church and community, with an eye towards becoming an oncologist to help cure cancer.

Last week, in front of hundreds, he received an ovation, as well as a scholarship of $2,500 for every year he remains in school.

Napa High School senior Matt Rottwit’s story is just one of several inspiring tales revealed at the awards dinner for the If Given A Chance Foundation at the Meritage Resort a week ago.

His story is more than just a positive reflection on the foundation — which since 1994 has sought out children who were made vulnerable by disease, broken homes, parental neglect and worse to help them map a path to success and stability.

It is more than a tribute to the generosity of the local donors to the cause.

It is really a story of the strength of character of young people who were dealt a bad hand and had the instincts and maturity to move forward in spite of it.

Nearly 130,000 people live in this valley, and though it appears we are surrounded by wealth and beauty and sunshine, there are thousands of struggling families and people with disabilities — and too many of us making the wrong choices when it comes to drugs or violence or care for own children.

The Napans who work with foster youth, homeless families, seriously ill or disabled children, and kids whose lives are now in the care of social service workers or the juvenile justice system, may sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by wave after wave of young people in hard circumstances.

The factors that keep these adults motivated include love and hope for the kids, and the intelligence, strength and faith they see in those who are troubled.

There is a lesson for all of us in that. If we can manage never to turn our backs on young people in need, we are doing a lot to make a better world. The If Given a Chance Foundation was founded on that principle. It is one that serves us all well.