The meaning of love | Lionell Tholmer | TEDxDonovanCorrectional 2017

Born into torture, blessed by tenderness, healed by hearts, saved by love. Lionell Tholmer discovers this truth by standing in a storm, where a pony sheltered his heart, a jackrabbit showed him compassion, doctors used their hearts to heal him and a stranger hugged him with his heart. "Born in Northern California, I was raised on a farm and rode in rodeos. I like motorcycles and horseback riding. I am a seeker who believes the purpose of life is to serve humanity with unconditional love. Harvesting hearts reap rewards of immeasurable value. To be allowed to be a visitor of one’s heart is the greatest blessing."

Read More

My father, my hero | Cynthia Roseberry | TEDxChesterStatePrison 2016

Cynthia Roseberry, a criminal defense attorney and the daughter of an alcoholic, talks about the labels we give to people that tend to build walls of resentment and brokenness. She argues that love is stronger than those labels and breaks down the barriers that separate us. Ms. Roseberry currently serves as Project Manager for Clemency Project 2014. The Clemency Project - a partnership among the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Civil Liberties Union, the American Bar Association, Families Against Mandatory Minimums and the Federal Community and Public Defenders - was created in response to a challenge to the legal profession to provide pro bono assistance for clemency to federal prisoners who would likely receive a shorter sentence if they were sentenced today.

Read More

It’s your choice | Renee Cardwell Hughes | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014

Love is the real key to success, Judge Hughes says, crediting her parents for her personal success. We all have someone who loves us and wants the best for us, Judge Hughes says, adding that “It’s Your Choice,’’ to want to succeed. Retired Philadelphia Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes has had a successful legal career and now heads the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Read More