Jack Clarke’s Speech at the 2016 Best Buddies Leadership Conference

Last summer, Jack had the opportunity to attend Best Buddies Leadership Conference where he participated as an Ambassador. Throughout the weekend, he had the opportunity to work on writing a speech that he would later share with over 2,300 conference participants. After returning to Iowa, Jack continues to inspire so many through sharing his story at both chapter and statewide events. Here’s his speech:

My name is Jack Clarke and I am a buddy ambassador for Best Buddies Iowa. My story began 8 years ago when the doctors told my mom that I was never going to come out of my coma (stupid doctors). 8 years ago I got a staph infection in my brain following a procedure to put in a shunt (don’t they know anything?).

One of the hardest things I had to deal with after the coma was when the doctors told my mom that I wouldn’t be able to walk, talk, or eat again. Well, guess what? I am doing all those things now and I have been proving doctors wrong since I was 8 years old.

Best Buddies has opened up the doors for friendship and has allowed me to start reaching for my goals. My goal in life is to inspire everyone to be bigger, faster, stronger; to be the best form of themselves by going beyond all limits; and to push themselves and others to be their very best.I think it is important for everyone to have friends like mine who will push you to be the best version of yourself and will be there for your entire life story.

I think it is important for everyone to have friends like mine who will push you to be the best version of yourself and will be there for your entire life story.Best Buddies is one way to create everlasting friendships. My buddy Ben and I have been friends for 1 year as I only joined Best Buddies 1 year ago. It has been the best decision of my life. Has it been the best decision of your life? I look forward to making more memories with Ben and other people in Best Buddies so they too can be a part of my Best Buddies life story.

Best Buddies is one way to create everlasting friendships. My buddy Ben and I have been friends for 1 year as I only joined Best Buddies 1 year ago. It has been the best decision of my life. Has it been the best decision of your life? I look forward to making more memories with Ben and other people in Best Buddies so they too can be a part of my Best Buddies life story.Last summer Jack had the opportunity to attend Best Buddies Leadership Conference where he participated as an Ambassador. Throughout the weekend, he had the opportunity to work on writing as speech that he would later share with the over 2,300 conference participants. After returning to Iowa, Jack continues to inspire so many through sharing his story at both chapter and state wide events. Thank you Jack for sharing your friendship and inspiring others to get involved with Best Buddies!

Thank you, Jack, for sharing your friendship and inspiring others to get involved with Best Buddies!