Episode 45: A Pound of Kindness: The Story that Changed a Life and Launched a Movement with Doug Cornfield and Dave Clark

What can one small act of kindness do? In this powerful episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Doug Cornfield and Dave Clark, the founders behind the Disability Dream & Do movement and the organization behind D3D camps. Their story begins with adversity, but grows into a mission that is transforming lives across the country. Dave Clark’s journey started when he contracted polio as a baby and doctors told his parents he would never walk or use his muscles. Instead, he grew up playing sports, competing against able-bodied athletes, and eventually pitching ten years of minor league baseball on crutches.  Along the way, a moment from his childhood shaped the path of his life: a classmate named Ernie who pulled him in a wagon during a school field trip so he wouldn’t be left behind. That simple gesture became a lifelong reminder of the power of inclusion—and inspired a children’s book, a national speaking message, and an award honoring everyday heroes who “pull others along.”  Doug Cornfield, a former scholarship athlete at the University of Georgia and the father of a son born without arms, found deep inspiration in Dave’s story. Together, they created camps where children and adults with disabilities can experience sports at the highest level—playing on professional fields, learning from elite athletes, and discovering what they are capable of. In this episode, you’ll hear: How a boy who was told he’d never walk became a professional baseball player The life-changing power of kindness and inclusion Why parents should never project their doubts onto their children The mission behind Disability Dream & Do camps across the United States (www.d3day.com) How professional athletes, families, and communities come together to create unforgettable experiences From emotional reunions decades in the making to inspiring stories of resilience, this conversation reminds us that sometimes one small act of kindness can echo across an entire lifetime.