Zena Edosomwan author of “Dream Big”
Interview by Summer Intern Ciclalis Rico with Zena Edosomwan author of “Dream Big”
Justin was a 10th-grader at Harvard-Westlake when his friend Zena, then a senior, was feeling overwhelmed about what to do after graduation. Zena had been recruited by several D-1 basketball programs, but he was also considering taking a postgraduate year. And though Harvard had always been his dream school, he felt discouraged-many people told him he wouldn’t be admitted.
Justin’s advice was simple: “Dream Big.” He reminded Zena that he could go anywhere he set his heart on, and he even created a piece of artwork for him as a daily reminder. This summer, Zena surprised the Carr family with a special gift, an advance copy of the children’s book he had written and published in honor and memory of his friend Justin.
Discover Dream Big today and see how Zena’s story unfolds. Purchase the book here.
Zena would see Justin Carr around the Harvard-Westlake campus and recognized him as part of their small African American community at school.
How Zena described JC:
His smile was legendary (Zena called it glowing), and he was sweet and kind. Additionally, he recalled that JC would come out to support the games.
Turning point:
A difficult point in his life: figuring out whether he should pursue Harvard to make it happen. He spoke to Justin, recognized his art, and he was known for his art, theatre, and everything. He was gifted and intelligent.
Significance:
JC showed him a picture of dreaming big to pursue Harvard.
Had a conversation with Justin – beautiful pastel artwork – which encouraged Zena to dream big, which manifested in Zena’s life after JC’s passing.
How did JC impact his community?
JC was always kind to everyone, always sweet, and memorable (emphasis on the very memorable smile).
How did the pastel drawing created by JC impact you?
The Beautiful pastel drawing helped inspire Zena.
How that one decision to keep fighting for his future and having people like Justin – the kindness JC showed when he was 16 was everlasting and lifelong.
What is the message you hope to convey through your book?
Pay homage to JC so the world may know his presence and that his greatness continues to impact the world.
To highlight the fight and struggle to pursue Harvard, and to have his support
For the next generation of young children to have support and promote self-esteem
Share his name with the next generation of kids
How has your book directly impacted the community?
Rosa Parks Learning Center ordered 400 books to showcase JC’s legacy and his name.
If you could convey one message, what would it be:
To tell kids to dream big and never to lose sight of that.
Zena still feels JC’s energy and motivation today and feels his essence. He is a pivotal part of his life.
Making the book
Inner thoughts that creep up in our heads
When he was writing the book, he felt inspired. The message was so important to him that he felt confident and fearless to do this.
I have one life to live and one opportunity and look at what Justin did with his life and how his legacy still impacts us.
Why not capture this moment and feeling
If the goal is to inspire, you must take that risk and not be afraid – Justin is the epitome of this.
Vehicle to remind all of us to dream big and keep going
Amidst negativity in life
Self-conscious, self-esteem
Necessary to instill positive affirmations into youth
The message/ legacy to tell in his story was more important.
Lessons conveyed in Zenas’ book Dream Big:
One. To love, to be genuine, and to lead with love
JC connected people (unity), and everything he did was genuine
Reminder to love each other, JC wants world peace, and for people to be good with people
When kids feel good about themselves, they are inclined to treat others kindly
Depending on where one is in the world, they tend to treat others the same way. It’s important to spread that goodness
Being a person of action
An example is seen in JC’s making of the art piece
Impacted lasted a lifetime
Gratitude
relationships, making an impact in the world, and spreading the legacy
What does the art piece mean to you, and how did it change your trajectory?:
Represents fighting for your dreams and going for what you believe in, and being able to go through challenging obstacles in life. When you can conquer things and go through that journey, you learn a lot about yourself.
More than art, it’s his spirit, energy, and love living through him always.
Planted a seed in his life from that moment, which he can spread to the world
So proud that he has it in his family’s house and shows how much it means
It is very important work.
JCWWP mission statements:
Art
Heart
Peace
Peace: peace within the world, with each other
I want to be the happiest version of myself. When you find peace, it’s a sense of understanding, self, and acceptance in that moment.
When you find peace from within, its calm happiness is fleeting, but peace is eternal.
In his personal journey of learning and growing. Justin was peaceful, wise, and had a calm aura.
What’s next for you: the beehive
Work with Facebook, Snapchat, and Live Nation
Oasis in South Central
Overarching goals:
Kids can learn about tech, gaming, and music
Partner with them to build a curriculum with Dream Big
Continue to spread Justin’s message to schools across the globe
Reflecting on playing abroad this season
beautiful challenge
momentum for building this movement, as it’s not just for kids but for people all around the world
” Beauty in one’s inner child to push forward and try one’s best – it’s a lesson.”
It’s only a loss if you allow it to be – okay, what’s next?
Interview by Summer Intern Ciclalis Rico with Zena Edosomwan author of “Dream Big”
Heather, an SCA Survivor’s Story
Written by JCWWP Summer Intern Ciclalis Rico
A decade ago, a meaningful partnership was formed between the Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation (JCWWP) and the UCLA Saving Hearts Foundation (SHF). We must credit the Parent Heart Watch Association for making this connection possible. Over the past ten years, it has been a pleasure to witness the founding executive members of Saving Hearts embark on careers in medicine, entrepreneurship, and administration.
We look forward to continuing the fight to make heart health resources more accessible in collaboration with UCLA Saving Hearts.
Through our partnership, JCWWP and SHF have provided free, accessible heart screenings and educational resources worldwide. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the UCLA Saving Hearts Foundation, a banquet was held to recognize the foundation’s key contributors. Our founders, Susan and Darrell Carr, were honored to attend and were recognized as valued partners during this celebration.
You never truly know who you’re sitting next to, or whether you’re in the presence of a survivor. During the 10th anniversary banquet, our founders met guest speaker Heather Freligh and were surprised to learn she was a recent survivor of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) at the age of 13 years old, just 18 months prior. There were no outward signs that Heather had an underlying heart condition and was perfectly healthy, playing active sports. Her story deeply moved Susan and Darrell, who admired her strength and commitment in raising awareness surrounding SCA. Following the event, JCWWP had the opportunity to conduct a one-on-one interview with Heather, spotlighting her inspiring journey.
On September 22, 2023, Heather Freligh, a high school student-athlete attending Art Freiler Elementary School in Tracy, CA, collapsed during class, just moments before taking a mathematics exam. Before this life-altering event, Heather was known for her basketball skills and was the starting point guard. Heather was perfectly healthy and had no underlying conditions. Like Justin Carr, she had no known family history of heart conditions. Her sudden cardiac arrest shocked her family and the community.
SCA is the number one killer of student-athletes and the leading cause of death on school campuses. According to the American Heart Association, SCA is a life-threatening emergency caused by a sudden electrical disruption in the heart that prevents blood from reaching vital organs. Without intervention, the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than 10%. However, with bystander CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the survival rate can rise to 50%. Every minute without intervention decreases the chance of survival by 10%.
In the final moments before Heather lost consciousness, she recalled hyperventilating, losing control of her mobility, and collapsing to the floor within a matter of minutes. There was no time to waste. Nearby students, teachers, and staff acted quickly and called first responders. At the same time, waiting for emergency services, Art Freiler, Principal, and Stephen Theall, who had earned his CPR certification just two weeks earlier, administered CPR as the school did not have an AED on campus.
Heather survived due to hands-only CPR and four shocks from an AED when first responders arrived. Heather’s survival is a powerful reminder of the importance of hands-only CPR training, access to an AED, and emergency plans needed in schools.
Due to the extreme stress her body endured during the SCA episode, Heather suffered numerous seizures, was unconscious, and was placed in a medically induced coma for 28 long hours. She was airlifted to UCSF Children’s Hospital, where pediatric cardiac specialist Dr. Karyn Austin and her team provided lifesaving care. When Heather regained consciousness, she was surrounded by her parents and a dedicated medical team. Soon after, she underwent surgery to have an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) inserted into her heart. This device monitors her heart, treats irregular heart rhythms, and most importantly delivers life saving defibrillator shocks if her heart stops again.
On October 5, Heather walked out of the hospital full of life and had made a full recovery. She had to wear a sling on her left arm for over a month and refrained from physical activity for three months, especially basketball. Despite these challenges, Heather made a full recovery with the support of her family and community, and regained enough physical activity to attend a Division 1 basketball high school, St. Mary’s High School. Heather joined and made the girls’ division 1 basketball team, winning as league champions and the summer championship tournament.
Since her SCA episode, Heather has dedicated herself to spreading awareness about SCA through her survivor story. She embodies the JCWWP Foundation’s mission of Art, Heart, and Peace. As she plans to publish a children’s book on SCA, she serves as one of 15 national youth ambassadors for the American Heart Association and lobbied for AB2887 in California, the Emergency Plans in Schools bill. Heather’s constant lobbying for this bill led to it being renamed the Heather Freligh Act. Heather serves on the youth city council, is a part of numerous foundations, is a national award winner, teaches CPR, and advocates at the highest level for youth awareness of SCA, hands-only CPR, and AED placement and training. Heather marches to the beat of her own drums, and there are no limits to what she will achieve. It was a privilege to witness her passion and deep commitment to raising awareness on SCA and promoting cardiac health.
Students
“I am in China currently talking to students about “dreaming big” I want you to know that Justin’s message is being heard across the world and that he has forever impacted my life. I remember when I was in a very difficult, tumultuous point in my life during my senior year of high school. I felt I was being pulled in a million different directions and didn’t know the right path. But then Justin gave me this idea of dreaming big and this aided me in rising above all the drama. I am spreading his message to these Chinese students, many of whom aspire to do great things. I am thankful to you and Mr. Carr for raising one of the most amazing people I have ever met. When I talk about him, I can help but get emotional because I miss him. I know he is smiling that great, big, beautiful smile on us all. I will continue to spread that message for students and people to dream big because it embedded in me the idea that it’s okay to go on a road less traveled. I continue to keep you in my prayers.” —Zena
“I want to do something amazing that will leave the world better than when I arrived…that’s a skill I learned from Justin” —Jackie, 8th grade
“ He had such a goodness in his soul, and he radiated kindness. He always put others before him. It was never about him. It’s as if his goal was to make everyone around him happy, and he always succeeded.”—Marianne, 12thgrade
“He has truly changed me to be more accepting, to listen and to be grateful for even the smallest things. I hope to make my mark, to make an impact on the world…anyone who knew Justin undoubtedly derived inspiration from his demeanor and his determination. So, any change any of us makes is a change that Justin makes. Just know that Justin continues to live through me in college.”—Maddy, College Freshman
“Justin talked to me about how he was self-conscious in his swim team and even in acting, about not being good enough and that fear is exactly what pushed him to be great. And that is the single most important piece of advice I have seen in my life.”—Eugénie, College Freshman
“I think I admired Justin from too far away and I wish I could’ve taken him under my wings more (though he needed no help)… As I move further into adulthood, I know that without question that…Justin will continue to anchor me in gratitude and positivity.” —Upperclassman
“Though I was older than him, Justin was a role model for me throughout high school. I have just returned from Israel. I was on Birthright, which as you may know is a program that takes Jewish teens to Israel to build connections between Israel and the US. With my group, I visited the Kotel, or the Western Wall. Our group leaders told us that it is customary to write notes or prayers and stick them in the cracks of the Kotel. Justin was sent to this earth to do good and was taken back, however untimely, to the kingdom of God. And I know that if there is a God, Justin is up there sitting right next to him, probably telling him how to do his job. So, I wrote my prayer not to God, but to Justin. I figured that if being at the Kotel is the closest I will ever be to God, then it is the closest I will ever be to Justin as well. Even if my prayers don’t reach Justin directly, I’m sure God will be kind enough to pass on the message. I will continue to spread his message of peace and joy. Even though his body may be gone, his spirit most certainly lives on. I have and will continue to try to emulate his positivity, energy, and passion for theater and life.” —Upperclassman
Parents
“Justin’s legacy will always fuel them (the kids) with appreciation for the preciousness of life, engaging in it with courage, and serving the world. Whether they fully realize it now or not… Heck, that’s a lesson he left me. And trust me, I think of Justin often…”— Shelley
“I am SO FULL of emotion! I had an opportunity to view your Justin’s story with my family last evening. What an incredible and brilliant young man! His spirit shines through. He teaches us to appreciate our blessings, to never take things for granted, to not squander our God given gifts, and to let the people in our lives know how much we love and appreciate them. He inspires us all to rise higher! Thank you for enlightening our lives!”—Mary
Western Wall
“Hey, Justin! It’s been a couple hard months without you. I think about you a lot, and I’m happy to say, your memory never fails to make me smile through the tears. Thank you for teaching me, Justin. Every little thought counts, every little voice matters, and every little smile is worth it. Much love, now and always.”—Covo
“I began to think about how I could best honor Justin. Then I thought, I would carry out his message further. When he and I would talk, he was all about breaking stereotypes and being yourself. His life inspired me greatly; he was so versatile and intelligent and well-rounded, not at all fitting into any sort of box, racial or otherwise. By continuing to tell people about Justin Carr Wants World Peace, by putting a window attachment to the car I’ll soon drive, wearing my Smile for Justin bracelet, sharing memories about him on the multiple Facebook groups—all those things will honor his memory.
“I loved Justin, and he was a great friend. I wish I could have been closer to him. But the times we did spend together meant a lot to me, and I will continue to think of him and talk about him and pray for him and for your family as you cope with his tragedy. I still miss him greatly, and I know you must feel the same a million times over. But he will always be in my heart, as a friend, a fellow performer, and a true inspiration.” — Much love, J
Teachers
“As teachers, from our students we’ll be taught… And Justin taught—and still does—teach our whole community so much! With Love.”—Justin’s Ms. Hall (Justin’s Art Teacher)
“Amazing, isn’t it, how the same three short words “ Let them Be” can be the right answer to so many questions … from what a bereft mother needs as she deals with a wound that can never heal … to what a great parent should do to let a child grow unencumbered towards the sunlight of his potential … of his many potentials. Consolation can’t come close to healing, but I suspect that you find it meaningful consolation, nonetheless, to witness the wonderful ways in which Justin’s contemporaries are working to help his spirit and vision BE. I only wish I had had the opportunity to work with Justin directly at school and get to know him well. He transformed so many … and continues to do so. His ripples spread to the horizon” —Rob
“I know it’s been said many times, many places, and in many ways, but, I simply cannot get past the impact Justin had on so many kids. No one was unaffected. Many kids go about their daily lives and are either intentionally or unintentionally aware of the impact others have on them; Justin was our most impactful kid, so no one could look away from what he meant to every kid at our school and to everyone however close or distantly they were connected.”—School Administrator
Medical Professionals
“I have wanted to reach out to you and tell you about our August Screening event… You were on my heart that day we were able to screen over 100 students and provide physicals. When I saw concerned Echocardiogram techs running down to catch a parent to meet with the Cardiologist again, I know we had found something significant. The screening captured a serious life-threatening undiagnosed condition in this young man… Thank you Justin.”— School Nurse
“I have wanted to tell you this and let you know that I was thinking of Justin the whole day as I do at every event… I also felt a sense of peace as I told Justin…”We saved this one for you.” There was a sense of immense emotion as we gave this child back to his mom and told her about your story. It brought tears to her eyes, and she pledged to be praying for your family as well.”—Nurse
“We are happy to have saved this you man in Justin’s honor and memory, and we continue to move in the future to provide cardiac screenings for our students. Hoping to save families the terrible grief you have been through. May God bless you today and every day.”— High School Nurse
“Thank you so much for helping me and for entrusting me to help keep Justin’s wishes and spirit alive. I believe and have accepted the charge to bring peace throughout first my community, and then to the world. I believe if I can help unite and bring peace to my neighbors, community, then that can spread throughout a city, a state, a country, and the world , our world. Doing my part to save young hearts is a pretty good start while helping to bring smiles to kids stuck in the hospital battling illnesses kids stuck in the hospital battling illnesses bigger than their bodies is a pretty good start, I’d say!”— Volunteer
Camp Counselor
“I was so saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. I knew him many years ago when I was his counselor at Summerkids Camp. When I say his photograph on the news, I immediately recognized the bright eyes and sweet smile of the camper I once knew. He was charming, lovable, funny and oh so talented. I clearly remember a moment when he got up on the little wood stage in front of the entire campfires and sang the Jackson 5’s “ I want you back”… He captured the crowd! I shared the news with several friends, also former counselors and everyone remembered him. I’d like to say that we’d remember every camper who shared our summers, but it’s just not the case. Your son, however, was one of those campers-the unforgettable ones. I know you know all of this already, to the real reason I’m writing it to let you know that there are a few more people out there remembering Justin with you. He touched our lives in the brief time we knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and Justin’s friends.”—Lizza (Justin’s Camp Counselor)