Ramon's story is truly "The American Dream." Deep within himself,

he found the courage to pursue his vision of becoming a doctor,

a healer who could save others from much of the misery that he had

experienced. There were no outside forces working to fuel his confidence.

In fact, just the opposite was true. Everywhere he looked, he

encountered discouragement.

Ramon's story is the story of human potential, the unique personal

potential that exists within us independently from any external

source. It is also a story of hope and how we can keep it alive inside,

even when there is no visible evidence that our dreams can come true.

I hope you read this book slowly and aloud with others. Share it,

savor it, cry with it, let your heart glow with joy from it. Make this a

book that stimulates deep reflection within you. Reflect upon your

own dreams, especially the ones you've long neglected or nearly forgotten.

You are not limited by your age, your health, your relationships,

or your finances nearly as much as by your own unwillingness to dream and persist.

So, set yourself free to become the person God designed you to

be. Let Ramon's book be the encouraging hand on your shoulder

and the resonant voice in your ear that says, "You can do it!...I believe

in you!...You are special and important to this world!...We need you!"

Ramon is a unique and gifted individual with an important

place in history. His legacy will be felt for many generations—

Jim Cathcart