Don’t Ever Give Up: A Letter from Jim Tuman to Brothers
May 17, 2018. The date that changed my life forever. I woke up that morning and was blind. The blood vessels in my eyes ruptured and everything was black. Everything I took for granted was turned upside down.
After three major surgeries, my sight did not return in a way that would allow me to function as I had in the past. I could no longer drive, travel, read, continue my career, see beauty in the world or walk on my own. I would never be normal again. I went into a month-long state of depression as I saw my very productive and meaningful life disappear.
One day, I was reminded of my mantra, “There is never a sold-out concert, there will always be a ticket for me.”
I have always been a goals person, achieving more than 350 written goals. Many were difficult and high-risk. I have always been a fighter with a never-give-up philosophy. With the belief of my incredible wife, Jan, and support from brothers, friends, family and people I had helped over the years, I was encouraged not to want to die but to find a way to keep on living. Some even read my goals to me to inspire me to look for new ways to continue to make a difference using my mind and heart.
I get up in the morning every day and tell myself that if I can dream it, I can certainly do it.
During the past seven years, my wife and I have written four books, five songs (one which went all over the world), hit a milestone with my Jimmy’s Kids charity of serving more than a half million families and at-risk children – supplying items for displaced people during natural disasters, helped with food insecurities, and our famous Christmas program which is streamed over the world. More than 40 brothers, led by Matt Strait (Michigan State 2013), have helped with the Christmas programs, which serve communities where the median income for a family of four is $9,100 per year.
Jimmy’s Kids started four successful programs for shut-ins during COVID along with helping 127 families get food each week. We’ve also helped create a kind-ness program for a community of 22,000 residents.
Jimmy’s Kids had been honored by Presidents, Senators and Heads of States, four times on the floor of Congress, five times at the Michigan Legislature. There have been many more honors but that is not the reason that we continue to be successful. It is the heart of this program that keeps moving us forward.
I miss speaking around the world. I have spoken to more than two million people in every state and 11 foreign countries. This included 111 chapters with my brotherhood program. I love the Fraternity and what it stands for.
I’ve started my own podcast “Compassion Through Kindness,” which has 90+ sessions focusing on solving problems people face daily. It has a large audience of listeners, and I’m thrilled to be working on it. My podcast keeps my voice alive.
In the meantime, don’t ever give up. Your love, your passions, your brotherhood will always have importance. Whatever age, whatever continues to inspire you, whatever you’re involved in – they still have meaning.
Don’t ever give up on your dreams.
Love,
Jimmy Tuman (Michigan State 1964)
Perge!
