By Ron Hendricks, Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter

Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA COC) is not all serious stuff. We have fun too. Our summer bingo party brought out a large crown for Bingo, Prizes and Pizza and August is cold. At least the ice cream at the Annual Ice Cream Social is cold. The social is the traditional kick-off of the new season of monthly Educational Seminars held by HLAA COC. Seminars have speakers of interest to the hearing loss community – subjects like technology, research, training, tips & tricks. All helpful to those with hearing loss and those who love ‘em. Speakers/programs for the fall include Shelley Gladden, Oklahoma Able Tech discussing technology, October we host Dr. Sarah Newman delving into research being done by Hearts for Hearing. In November Dr. Kopke with the Hough Ear Institute will talk about their research in hair regrowth that will possibly restore hearing. December, ‘ya-all come for the annual Christmas Party. The Ice Cream Social is also the time when we introduce the scholarship winners who are; Boyd Robertson, Josie Burns, Charles Brady IV.
HLAA COC’s educational seminars are captioned so you can see the conversation as well as hear it. Now there is also a hearing loop system to be used with the telecoil in your hearing aid AND we zoom the meeting too. Seminars are held monthly on the third Thursday, 11:30-1PM. The public is invited as there is no entry fee.
We have a lot of activities but our main mission here is to “Open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.” for more information visit our website, www.OklahomaHearingLoss.org.

Story and photos by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

In their first major onsite event since COVID-19, host Villagio of Oklahoma City welcomed 52 Senior Business Solutions Networking colleagues to a luncheon on August 18. This networking session revealed how many people in the industry are new or at new employers, as shifting demographics cause many changes.
Hosts from Villagio of Oklahoma City and Villagio of Bradford Village in Edmond colleagues spoke of some details of their work with seniors.
“This meeting today is the first time we have been able to engage with our larger community in this space since COVID-19,” said Caitlin Cairns. She is the director of community life at Villagio of Bradford Village. “We are all thankful for the opportunity to do this as it means a return to normalcy and a better way of life than worrying and working so much to combat a pandemic.”
Villagio of Oklahoma City offers its clients assisted living, memory care, and respite care, while Villagio of Bradford Village in Edmond features residential and assisted living.
Villagio and sponsors provided the meal and a large meeting room for the monthly gathering of senior healthcare marketers and senior-focused company workers. They engaged in the meaningful and relevant experience of building a network of contacts to better serve their patients and clients.
Eight attendees were learning about their community peers for the first time, as half of them mentioned they had only been with their new employers for three weeks. Several new attendees said networking with others, especially direct caregiver peers, helped them better understand some of the issues they face at their centers.
Some had attended the luncheons for many of the six years since Bill Muir pulled the SBS group together for the networking sessions.
The luncheon continued with each invitee giving a few minutes of background about their employer and, for some, as owners. The networking session is open to all senior care industry members and comprises a variety of guests explaining their backgrounds. They spoke of how they saw their role in helping seniors with their needs in the community. A few announced special events their venues were planning shortly, inviting others to attend.
Other speakers solicited donations of door prizes needed for the Senior Day on September 21 at the Oklahoma State Fair. Emerald Care Center Southwest was recognized for donations of large flat screen TVs for the Senior Day door prizes the last few years. Many attending volunteer and support the 24 booths at the event.
There was a spirited discussion of local Elvis tribute artist Mike Black who will headline the entertainment for the free Senior Day at the Fair at the end of the day, September 21. He performed last year, and several people mentioned he has sung at area senior centers.
Bob Loudermilk detailed the upcoming free Second Half Expo 2022 to be held on October 22 at The National Cowboy & Western Museum for the second year. This year attendees will receive a free ticket to the museum they can use anytime.
Expo and SBS sponsor Oklahoma Senor Journal owner Robin Gunn supported the Expo in her part of the discussion. She welcomed listeners to hear more details about the Expo on her radio program Rise & Thrive Radio Hour Saturdays at 9:05 a.m. on 96.9FM The Eagle during the run-up to the event.
The meeting continued with more personalized detail from each attendee. The event is an in-person version of a monthly networking newsletter with information, announcements, and networking within the retirement industry.
Some providers reported real-time availability for their care and housing options, along with home care and hospice providers. Speakers covered various topics ranging from personnel issues to renovation offerings and help explaining Medicare to patients and clients.
Conversations before and after the more formal portion allowed attendees to speak with their senior industry peers while sharing information about their employers and caregivers.

https://legendseniorliving.com/

Story and photo Van Mitchell, Contributing Writer

An estimated 20 million Americans are living with chronic pain due to neuropathy

At Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic located at 3705 NW 63rd Street, Suite 101 in Oklahoma City, they help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through proven nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief.
Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“At Nerve Renewal, we are on a mission to help Oklahomans renew their quality of life through established nerve pain treatments that provide safe and effective relief,” said Tim Bales, owner of Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic. “Our prominent clients are seniors. They have some sort of pain, mainly neuropathy, and they are looking for some kind of relief from that pain or more feeling in their extremities.”
Peripheral Neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves, which connect the spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs in our bodies.
Neuropathy usually affects the hands and feet, and causes weakness, numbness, tingling and pain.
Patients may also report burning sensations, leg cramps, loss of balance, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to touch.
Neuropathy may come and go, progress over time, or even become severe and debilitating. Left untreated, it can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, and even limbs.
Each year, over 86,000 Americans undergo amputations as a result of uncontrolled neuropathy. However, if diagnosed early, peripheral neuropathy can often be treated.
Bales said while there is no cure for neuropathy, over 80 percent of patients report a significant reduction in pain after treatments. They can also enjoy better sleep due to reduced pain and recover more quickly from knee and hip surgery.
“Rather than masking your pain with medication, that can cause very undesirable side effects, as well as creating a long-term dependence on them, our staff of medical professionals will address the symptoms of neuropathy at the source with a non-invasive, drug-free form of therapy that combines injections of pharmaceutical-grade nutrient blend with electroanalgesia to provide relief from your symptoms,” he said. “Usually, treatments take between 16 and 24 treatments. Those vitamin injections really help the healing.”
Neuropathy has many different causes. The most common metabolic cause are patients with diabetes. Nearly 60 percent of all patients with diabetes develop neuropathy. This can commonly present as pain, numbness, swelling, burning, tingling, sleepless nights, balance issues.
Other causes of neuropathy include: chemotherapy, alcoholism, drugs/prescription medications; battlefield toxins, industrial toxins, vitamin deficiencies, acute physical trauma, and post-surgical pain.
Traditional neuropathy treatments, such as surgery and strong pain medications, can have a severe impact on patients’ long-term health.
Bales said Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic takes a different approach, using established Electroanalgesia (EA) treatments to reduce pain without the drawbacks of invasive procedures or addictive medications.
EA works by delivering exact dosages of electrical stimulation to peripheral nerves. These high frequencies can decrease the ability of the affected nerves to transmit pain, which brings relief and healing. There is no opioid drowsiness, addiction concerns, or side effects.
“This non-evasive, drug-free form of technology is one of the oldest and most documented forms of medical science,” said Glenn Cope, Chief Operating Officer with Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic. “Patients don’t feel trapped by pain. They are able to move and get exercise, leading to healthier outcomes for all other medical treatments.”
Cope said controlled research studies have shown that most patients find long-term relief from neuropathy after receiving Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic’s specific treatment.
Bales said once the initial treatment is completed, patients then return every two weeks for follow-up care.
“Once you get to that threshold, there is maintenance,” he said. “You come back every two weeks, and it (helps) keep you where you are.”
Bales said their customers have requested adding Friday openings to their clinic hours, and he said that is something they are considering.
Cope said they are opening several other Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinics throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
“They (patients) aren’t crazy about driving a long way so we are building additional locations so it will be easier for them to get to places in town closer to them,” Cope said. “We are doing southwest Oklahoma City, just south of Oklahoma City Community College, Midwest City and Norman.”
Bales said the treatments are covered by most insurances.
“These established treatments are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and most medical insurance companies, so you can focus on enjoying life again,” he said.
For more information about Nerve Renewal Neuropathy Clinic call (405) 495-9270 or visit www.nerverenewalnow.com.

Oklahoma Health Aging Initiative (OHAI) will host its fourth annual Statewide Tai Chi-A-Thon on Friday, September 26, as part of National Falls Prevention Week.
Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Generally safe for all ages and fitness levels, Tai Chi can help older adults reduce their risk of falling, while also increasing balance and flexibility. Health benefits include reduced blood pressure, better sleep, improved muscular strength and enhanced mental well-being. It does not matter how strong, flexible or active you are – Tai Chi is designed for people of all ages and levels of health.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at four locations across the state — Catoosa, Durant, Enid and Norman. It is open to participants 18 years and older, at no cost. To register and find the event location near you, visit www.ohai.org. On-site registration will also be available at the event, but those who pre-register by August 19, will have the opportunity to purchase an event t-shirt.
For additional questions or accommodations, contact OHAI at ohai@ouhsc.edu or by phone at (855) 227-5928.
OHAI is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and is supported in part by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. OHAI is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of older Oklahomans and their caregivers through community classes, workshops and professional trainings. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

Story and photos by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Fifty years ago, John Carpenter, 67, was attending his last year of high school and most major rock’n’roll concerts available in Oklahoma as an immense fan of live performances, going on to attend more than 1,000.
From Midwest City High School, he went on to Oscar Rose Junior College on a wrestling scholarship. He continued attending many major concerts at the zenith of what many consider the most productive era of rock’n’roll music.
Soon arena shows and music videos changed the way young people were entertained, as live performances were enhanced with showmanship.
For Carpenter, it was about the music. Those five years, 1970-1975, were some of the most iconic in rock’n’roll history, including the release of the most famous song ever recorded in the rock’n’roll genre, Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” selling 37 million copies since 1971.
In 1970 Carpenter bought his first copy of “Rolling Stone Magazine” as a MCHS sophomore. “It had articles about Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones that gave me a window to a world that I was missing, and I loved it,” Carpenter said. “I sent my money off for a year’s subscription, which cost $8, and I soon learned about all these new artists and groups, including one from California, the Grateful Dead.”
Not that he’s competitive about it, but local music historians could easily describe Carpenter’s status as one of the most dedicated rock’n’roll fans of the last 50 years. He has averaged 20 (yes, 20) concerts a year. Married in 1979, he and his wife Jo often attend shows together.
The list of the concerts he has witnessed is so long it is easier to list the four that got away. He missed seeing Jimi Hendrix in May of 1970 because he was 15 and could not find a ride to Norman that Friday night. He missed the first two Led Zeppelin concerts because of no car and no ride and says he is still puzzled about how he missed seeing Led Zeppelin in 1977.
And then there were Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Arena concerts that came with a bonus, like first seeing the Eagles in 1972 as an opening. “I recognized the song they were performing as a new hit on the radio, “Take It Easy!” The single had been out a little over a month,” Carpenter said in a recent interview. “I watched the “new group” in action. I think it was Don Henley who was wearing an OU football jersey. I was just over two weeks out of high school, but I could tell these guys were really good. Their 50-minute set ended way too fast for us before British sensation Jethro Tull took the stage.”
Carpenter can relive that special night through the magic of YouTube. “Someone in the crowd taped the Eagles’ portion of the concert that night and recently posted it on YouTube,” Carpenter said. “Listening to it 50 years later, it is like I am back at the beginning of all that major concert going.”
He made the trip to a Rolling Stones concert on June 24th in Ft. Worth, where he saw his favorite group on their Rolling Stones American Tour 1972, which also included Canada. He says he could get tickets only because that tour was so successful the Stones added a second show.
But in Oklahoma City, later in 1972, he became a diehard fan of his favorite all-time supergroup. “The Grateful Dead were to play at the Civic Center, probably the best acoustics in Oklahoma,” Carpenter said. “When a second concert was added for November 15th, we got outstanding tickets near the front of the concert hall.”
His third world-class concert of the year swept him away. “The Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia took the stage without fanfare, and we were off. They played two long sets that night, with the standout for me being the almost half-hour jam on their classic “Playing in the Band,” Carpenter said. “During that show, with such great acoustics, I became a Deadhead for life.”
Hundreds of concerts, hundreds of artists later, in 2022, Carpenter still thinks about the Grateful Dead, especially since he saw them play at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds Arena again almost a year after that eventful night. “As the years went by, I continued to follow the Grateful Dead and watched them become an icon in American popular culture,” Carpenter said.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Oklahoma State University and became a distinguished Probation and Parole officer. He capped his 24-year career as the Sentencing Guideline Specialist for the Western District of Oklahoma. He has been retirement privileged since 2011 and has become a well-known yoga and spin teacher in the Oklahoma City area.
Today he will share with you all the complications of modern ticketing where you can think that you’re buying a ticket at one price only to find that the price is two or three times higher when it’s time to pay. Still, the genuinely dedicated will put up with that because, as Carpenter will tell you, nothing beats hearing the live performance version of talented artists’ songs.
When he thinks about what keepsake is his favorite from all those concerts, he thinks about Garcia. Never one to follow the band from city to city as some fans did, he says he is devoted. “Although he died in 1995 of a heart attack, their records and music continue to sell,” Carpenter said. “Jerry (Garcia) remains as popular as ever and is even revered by younger generations of music fans who never had the privilege as I did of seeing him in concert. I am grateful to rock’n’roll music to have experienced this phenomenon myself.”
Speaking with Carpenter about Oklahoma being the crossroads of America and touring musicians, he not only gives you answers but opens your eyes to more questions, more ideas, more perspectives and more wonder about Oklahoma’s place in rock’n’roll history. When you hear Carpenter speak with a high school friend his age, another strong concertgoer, Barbie Garrison, you realize his nearly encyclopedic knowledge of rock’n’roll history.
“My Facebook friends asked me about specific artists I have seen, so I wrote narratives about what was going on in my life when I went to specific concerts and what kind of performance it was,” Carpenter said. “This recent writing has sparked my realization of how profoundly concert going has affected my life.”
“Concert going helped me create a whole different circle of friends and provided at times a much-needed release from the stress of being a college athlete and on throughout my life working with offenders on parole or probation,” Carpenter said. “Being a fresh diversion each time, many concerts were so startlingly creative, with high-quality musicians and their voices and their harmonizing and the brilliance of their words and poems set to music. Rock and Roll music will never die.”

By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – A sailor with ties to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Tiller joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel,” said Tiller.
Today, Tiller serves as a yeoman.
“My favorite thing about being a yeoman is the flexibility,” said Tiller. “I get to do a lot of different things and meet a lot of different people.”
The Navy’s presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The “Ironmen” of VQ 3, the “Shadows” of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy. Serving in the Navy means Tiller is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to the National Defense Strategy because of our forward presence,” said Tiller. “We are a show of force. We show our allies we are there to help when needed.”
Tiller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been having the chance to visit Vietnam and experience different cultures,” said Tiller.
As Tiller and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means that I am able to provide for my family,” added Tiller.

Story and photos by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Senior citizens can celebrate near-space travel with free admission to the fairgrounds on their special day with events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 21, in the Special Events Area at the south end of the Modern Living Building at the Oklahoma State Fair.
All seniors ages 55 or older are invited by OG&E and other sponsors to enjoy the “Fly Me to the Moon” themed event for activities, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings designed especially for the golden ager.
“Senior Day at the Fair fits the 55+ fair goer in many ways. Some can enjoy the total experience of the fairgrounds. Some can come to the Modern Living Building to enjoy the Senior Day, never leaving the building,” said Cindy Dimit, longest serving committee member. “There are exhibitors, screenings, and entertainment. The audience can participate in themed activities on the decorated stage. We bring the fair experience right to your seat, so come fly with us on September 21st.”
This year features back-to-back Elvis tribute artists in the late afternoon and evening. Back from his popular performance last year, Mike Black sings Elvis’ songs at 5:30 p.m. From Choctaw, after growing up in Midwest City, he has opened concerts for major acts Percy Sledge, Eddie Raven, The Grass Roots, Three Dog Night and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Shawn Klush kicks off the most significant tribute to Elvis outside at 7:30 on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage. He has starred as ‘Elvis’ in the award-winning Las Vegas show “Legends in Concert.”
Klush has sung in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour” with Elvis’ former musicians, singers, and friends in major venues in multiple cities. He portrayed Elvis in the “The King and I” episode of HBO’s historical drama TV series “Vinyl” produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger.
Activities planned for the day include a robust lineup of free health screenings: Blood Pressure Screenings • Blood Sugar Screenings • Pain Management Assessment • Vein Testing • Depression and Memory Screenings, and Diabetic Foot Screenings.
Total Wellness will offer Flu, Pneumonia, and B12 shots at a cost. Attendees are asked to present their insurance card if it covers their shots. The day also features 24 senior health and recreation exhibitors.
Door Prizes are offered (Registration: Session 1: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Session 2: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Session 3: 3:30 – 6 p.m.) Pick up your ticket at the prize table for a chance to win one of many donated gifts. There will be multiple drawings in the morning, the early afternoon and then again during the late afternoon. Each session’s tickets will be discarded after the end of their respective time. Please register again for both afternoon door prize sessions.
The large Oklahoma Senior Games demonstration area is available for the whole run of the Fair. Along with special strength testing for seniors at their Senior Fitness booth, table tennis will be available.
Tests will include arm strength (pushups), leg strength (globet squats), abdominal strength (forearm plank), and balance. A victory stand with mannequins will be available for a photo backdrop.
The largest interactive demonstration court for seniors is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports, Pickleball. It is now widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.
Pickleball is a recreational paddle sport for all ages and skill levels. Grandparents who welcome the opportunity to try new fitness outlets can play with their grandkids to stay active. Whether seniors are looking for a way to exercise or want to be challenged at a competitive level, there is a place in the pickleball community.
Volunteers are needed to help support the large Senior Games area from September 15th to 25th. By volunteering, helpers earn a free, fair ticket, T-shirt and close-in free parking. Schedule shifts at its signup website:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4DA4A628AA8-oklahoma2
The organizers are counting on the warm hospitality and strong sense of community spirit our citizens have shown as volunteers to allow the state to thrive.
“Our volunteers are a major part of how and why our state has proven itself as a great place to compete in senior games each year,” volunteer coordinator Regina Stewart said. “We have grown to offer more games because of the time and energy Oklahomans who do not compete have invested in offering the Games to those who do.”
Seniors can enter gates 1, 2, 6, or 10 to catch one of the free trams that begin running at 10 a.m. Ask trams to stop at Gate 3 or by the fountain on General Pershing Blvd to drop you off, as they are the closest drop-off points to the building. Electric and manual wheelchairs are available for rent inside Gates 2, 6 & 9 while supplies last. Free coffee and snacks will be offered at 10 a.m. until they are gone.
To view the schedule of activities online, visit: https://okstatefair.com/uploads//senior-day-one-page-schedule-2022.pdf

“Internet Food Safety Myths”

This event is free to the public. The internet is a great resource for many things, but there is a lot of misinformation, especially about food safety. Learn about some common internet food safety myths and what to do instead to keep you and your family safe. The class will be taught by Kelsey Ratcliff, an FCS area Specialist in Health Disparities. Come join us at 9:30 AM, Thursday, September 22, at the Extension Conference Center, 2500 NE 63rd Street, OKC. There is no charge for the class.

The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) agrees with the fact that all individuals, children and adults alike, deserve a safe, dignified and clean restroom experience. Assistance with this need is common for adults who are aging or have disabilities and other conditions. Because of this, the OHC has recently installed a universal adult changing table in its Family Restroom, located on the first floor, to accommodate individuals with a range of disabilities and medical issues such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, paraplegia, cerebral palsy or those recovering from a stroke. Having access to such a table will provide a clean and safe environment, eliminating the unhygienic option of placing a loved one on a bathroom floor.
“We want to provide this amenity to families so they can extend their stays and won’t have to go out to their cars, or go home early, when a family member is in need,” said Dan Provo, director of the OHC.
In an interview earlier this year, disability advocate Audra Beasley was quoted as saying, “If we’re not planning for all, we’re not planning. We need to be asking ourselves what we are doing as great citizens of this state to hold the door for those coming in behind us, to build on the work of those before us. We need restroom access for all!”
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.

As college athletes across the country begin taking advantage of the Supreme Court’s June 2021 ruling allowing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, a newly-signed OU Sooner quarterback is dedicating a percentage of his earnings to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health.
General Booty, who comes to Norman after playing at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, recently notified Oklahoma Children’s Hospital of his support.
“My family has been a really good example to me my whole life, and we talked about the importance of giving back,” Booty said. “I have a special place in my heart for kids, so after my visit there, I knew Oklahoma Children’s Hospital would be where my support would go.”
Booty, a third-generation football player, is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana. His father, Abram Booty, is a former Louisiana State University wide receiver, his uncle, Josh Booty, is a former LSU and NFL quarterback and his other uncle, John David Booty, was a USC quarterback and Rose Bowl MVP during Pete Carroll’s coaching leadership.
“General is a great kid, with a big heart and full of faith,” said his father. “He knew Oklahoma Children’s Hospital could benefit from the partnership and made the decision to provide that support on his own.”
Booty’s family moved quite a bit while he was growing up and he attended four different high schools, including two in California and two in Texas, finishing his high school career at Allen, which is in the Dallas area. After high school, the quarterback played for Tyler Junior College, where he caught the eye of OU scouts. After a visit to Norman, he knew this was where he wanted to play.
Recently, the 20-year-old quarterback paid a visit to some Oklahoma Children’s Hospital patients.
“We have some young football fans going through health issues no one – let alone a child – should have to go through,” said Jon Hayes, hospital president. “Seeing the kids faces light up when General stopped by to hang out with them for a while was a great way to take their minds off where they are. We are delighted to not just have General supporting us through his merchandise sales, but just becoming engrained in what we do here. We can’t wait to see what he does on the football field.”
Booty is unveiling a website where fans can purchase shirts, hats and other memorabilia featuring his name, number and his brand “MTJN,” which stands for More Than Just a Name. “I have a unique name, but I’m also a good player,” Booty said. “That’s the connection … Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is more than a name. They are the best at what they do.
“I’m looking forward to coming back and hanging out with more of the kids … whether that means throwing a football around or doing arts and crafts.”
To purchase General Booty merchandise, go to mtjn.org.
For more information about Oklahoma Children’s Hospital visit oklahomachildrens.org.