(Lincoln, Neb.) Six years ago Dustin Plunkett didn’t know he had gum cancer. As a Special Olympics athlete, Dustin went to a Special Smiles screening, a program that provides dental checks to people with intellectual disabilities. The volunteer screener noticed Dustin’s teeth were in bad condition and urged him to see a local dentist. With his coach by his side, Dustin sought professional help. After surgery and routine check-ups, Dustin is now cancer free.
“If I would have waited two months longer,” Dustin said, “it would have spread everywhere, and I wouldn’t be here today.”
Dustin Plunkett kicked off the Young Athletes Demonstration Monday morning at the Pershing Center. Dustin is a passionate and professional speaker with an inspiring story of cancer survival.
Dustin was chosen one of 12 International Global Messengers for the Worldwide Special Olympics. With this opportunity, he has traveled as far as China to speak to 100,000 people with NBA star, Yoa Ming. Dustin is humbled to have been selected as an IGM, but quickly says that he is first and foremost an athlete. Although he is not participating in the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games, he is excited to begin training for his events when he competes in Southern California.
When asked about his favorite event, golf, Dustin said, “It teaches me patience. If you have a bad shot, you’ve got to forget about it and just move on. That’s what helps me in my everyday life and my job.”
Chairman of Special Olympics, Tim Shriver stated, “Special Olympics is not only in the business of sport, it is in the business of changing lives.” And that is just what it did for Dustin Plunkett.
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