In 1943 a U.S. bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Louis Zamperini survived the crash, but his ordeal had just begun. Adrift in the vast open sea, he fought off sharks, dodged the strafing of enemy airplanes and ingeniously patched his deflating life raft. Captured and cruelly tortured, he was driven to the limits of endurance. His incredibly inspiring story is told in the bestseller 锟絞Unbroken锟絟 by Laura Hillenbrand.

Zamperini锟絝s story is so captivating because he was extraordinarily tough, gritty and resourceful. He was one-of-a-kind. We know that we could never do what he did. We probably don锟絝t even know anyone who could. We are human, not super-human.锟紷Zamperini survived through his own wits and courage, but unless we have help, we probably are no match for disaster, misfortune and maladies.

I was reminded of our shared vulnerability when I visited the World Health Organization last year and met with groups dedicated to curtailing measles, a virus microscopic in size but powerful enough to cause blindness, brain damage, hearing loss and death. LCIF has partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others to shield millions of children from measles. LCIF is Lions锟絝 worldwide foundation, and it takes a village of Lions to fight diseases and other calamities. Lions working together through LCIF bring sight to the blind, help victims of disasters get back on their feet, empower youths with life skills and perform countless other good deeds on a large scale.锟紷

As you know from reading or watching the news, the world is a dangerous place. Poverty leaves people powerless and in pain. We Lions are a brilliant antidote, a force for good. LCIF is the best way for us to pool our resources and to channel our good will. The most effective way to confront major problems in society is for people to band together and marshal resources. LCIF represents Lions at their best and at their most effective.

In this issue we celebrate the achievements of LCIF. Thank you, Lions, for supporting LCIF, and bringing help, hope and healing to so many. Please continue to support our Foundation. There is only one Louis Zamperini. But there are 1.35 million Lions. Please continue to be a great Lion, zealously helping your own community and just as selflessly serving neighborhoods across the world through our remarkable Foundation.