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Michigan Matters: Overcoming the Odds Amid Life Altering Circumstances

Southfield (CBS Detroit) - A special "Michigan Matters" episode airing this Sunday (7:30 am on CBS 62) highlights the power of the human spirit and overcoming long odds as Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain talks with  Concordia University Football Coach Roscoe Cummings and Motivational Speaker Raun Kaufman.

Roscoe Cummings
Michigan Matters Host Carol Cain, with Roscoe Cummings, Coach of Concordia University Football Team

"Coach Roscoe" as he's known at the Ann Arbor-college, was  born with open spina bifida as his family told he'd live only hours. He's overcome much – including many surgeries – as he talks about. He's written a book "God Spoke to Me"  just published about his life and the power of faith.

Roscoe Cummings on crutches
Coach Roscoe Cummings on crutches while he coaches the Concordia University Football Team (Courtesy of Roscoe Cummings)

Then, Raun Kaufman's parents were told he when he was a toddler he had severe autism, an IQ less than 30, and would likely end up in an institution. So, how did he become an Ivy League graduate, best selling author and speaker? Kaufman talks with Cain about his story and how his parents defied the doctors and shocked the medical community as they worked tirelessly with him as he improved. His  parents created the Autism Treatment Center of America.

Raun Kaufman as a child
Motivational Speaker Raun Kaufman as a child (Courtesy of Raun Kaufman)
Raun Kaufman with Family
Motivational Speaker Raun Kaufman with his wife and parents (Courtesy of Raun Kaufman)

Kaufman serves as director of global education at the center. He wrote a book in 2014, "Autism Breakthrough: The Groundbreaking Method That Has Helped Families All Over The World" which became a best-seller. He's  working on a second book. (For more, go to AutismTreatment.org or email Kaufman at raunraunraun@yahoo.com).

Raun Kaufman
Michigan Matters Host Carol Cain, with Raun Kaufman, Motivational Speaker

April is Autism Awareness Month which is why Kaufman was the keynote speaker at the Autism Alliance of Michigan's recent virtual event attended by over 600 people.  DTE's Dave Meador, who is on AAOM's board, said:  "Raun is an example of what happens when people with autism are supported and encouraged to live productive and fulfilling lives. His exceptional life inspires all of us to do more to make sure children with autism and mental illness continue to grow, learn and flourish."

Raun Kaufman
Raun Kaufman speaking in front of an audience during one of his motivational speeches (Courtesy of Raun Kaufman)

Watch MICHIGAN MATTERS, Sunday at 7:30am on CBS 62

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