“Looking back, I can vividly remember my experiences at the Eastern Campus, which included the drive to and from class each day, the opportunity to play basketball, my friends and teammates, and the professors that I had the chance to learn from."
“As a proud graduate of Ohio University, I am humbled to be standing before you this evening. Growing up 30 minutes away, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to come back to be a part of such an important day,”
"The keynote speaker for the event will be Sean Patterson, a 1990 graduate of Steubenville High School and a 1996 graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology. Several years later, he enrolled in graduate school, obtaining a master's degree in justice administration in 2007 from Tiffin University."
"The 411 Foundation is made up of free-thinking individuals with different opinions and backgrounds, but the same passion for helping people. We have come together to create an organization whose foundation is built on mutual trust, passion, drive for what we do and enthusiasm for the young adults that we serve"
“The minor discomfort I went through is nothing compared to what someone fighting for their life day in and day out goes through,” Patterson said. “It’s truly about giving these individuals and their families more time.”
It was important for me to become a bone marrow donor because getting on the registry list meant I could help save someone’s life. When I received the email on March 12, 2014 stating that I was a possible match for an 8-year-old girl, I knew I had to say yes to the whole process.
“The minor discomfort we may have going through the procedure of donating marrow or stem cells is worth it compared to what recipients have to go through day in and day out." he said.“I am just an everyday guy with an 11-year-old kid wanting to make a difference in the community. I am hoping today is one of those things where we sign up thousands of donors, potential donors to help other people."
Patterson first signed up for the registry -- and had his cheek swabbed to collect his DNA -- in September 2012 because a co-worker was in need of a marrow transplant. Unfortunately, the woman died before a match was found. Although he lost his friend, Patterson remained on the list. “I was always prepared to do it,” he said, “but you never think you’ll get the call.”
"We are honoring long time Central Ohio Resident Sean Patterson and his 'The 411 Foundation'. His full time job is helping disabled children through Franklin County, and his other passion is his Foundation that he developed in honor of his father, who stood only 4 foot 11 but had a very large impact on his community by giving back."
"My inspiration was really my dad, you know, losing him at 12 years old but knowing he did a lot of good things in the community,” Patterson said. “I really wanted to honor him by giving back to the community"
The 411 Foundation and the Charleston Marriott Town Center partnered together to create 200 survival kits, which will be donated to the local YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter and Charleston Men’s Shelter.
Patterson said it means a lot for community members to provide these items to people who may not have similar luxuries compared to those living in a home with a roof over their head.
