Mitch Shapiro
I really don’t even know where to begin. This summer I was honored to receive an internship opportunity through my University and I began interning at the Foundation for Sight and Sound. Just a few short months ago I didn’t know what was in store for me. On my first day, I met Mitch Shapiro, the founder, president and CEO of Foundation for Sight and Sound. It didn’t take long before I was able to see how amazing Mitch is. Mitch is truly an inspiration to everyone that he meets.
Mitch has Usher Syndrome also known as deaf-blindness. The things which he accomplishes are remarkable for anyone but I feel as if they are even greater based on this condition. Mitch is completely selfless in every sense of the word; his main goal is to help others and he NEVER expects any personal gain from doing so. Ten years ago, Mitch started Foundation for Sight and Sound, a 501c3 not for profit corporation and to this day is one hundred percent dedicated. Mitch is not only my hero but a hero to all those he helps every day and it would not even be the slightest exaggeration to say that Mitch simply “does it all”.
Through the foundation’s Help America Hear Program, Mitch and the foundation work with people across the country helping them to get hearing aids. Mitch actually personally cares about each person he speaks to on the phone and is genuinely interested in helping them in any way that he can. If the applicant does not qualify for help through the program, Mitch goes above and beyond to give them any and all information that may help them.
Mitch is an unbelievable boss/supervisor to work for and he has done more than his fair share to help me learn more about the not for profit sector. Day in and day out, Mitch has given me the support and information that I need to learn new skills and to grow the skills that I already possess. He has given me the opportunity to work as a member of his staff as opposed to just an “intern”. Mitch is definitely a hero in my eyes and the eyes of others.
Someone as selfless and caring as Mitch is can be a hero for anyone. Constantly giving of his time and services in ways no one could ever imagine makes him a truly remarkable person. Aside from just the giving, Mitch is a motivational speaker inspiring others to reach for the stars and do the best they can and he also speaks on overcoming obstacles. In addition, Mitch is also a hilarious comic who is set to perform his third performance later this month.
Everyone has their own definition of hero but Mitch Shapiro fits them all. He is without a doubt the ideal hero for anyone, including myself and I am honored to have had this opportunity to work with him.
Submitted by Anonymous
