Shawn Rae Pledges Support for American Todd Shea, Pakistan’s Adopted Son
(PRWEB) July 19, 2013 -- What were the odds? Shawn Rae, a Pakistani that has made America his home would meet with Todd Shea, an American that has made Pakistan his home. The two humanitarians have another humanitarian friend in common, an American Christian Reverend that introduced them to each other, electronically, many years ago. In 2007, he sent each of them information about the other with the intentions that they should get together. Sadly, that meeting never took place due to the two men, having very demanding schedules and living on opposite sides of the globe. Now it’s 2013, seven years later and finally they met in person a few weeks ago at a medical conference. Neither aware that the other would be in attendance, both men looking for a receptive audience for the charities they support.
As reported by Adam B. Ellick of the New York Times, Todd Shea volunteered after the 2005 earthquake that killed 80,000 Pakistanis and then set up a charity hospital.
Ellick writes, “In 2005, a tragic earthquake struck Pakistan and devastated the country. Eighty thousand lives were lost and countless others left in disarray amongst the rubble. Irish American Todd Shea was among many volunteers who traveled to Pakistan after the quake to assist in any way they could. It’s there he has been since. Shea established a hospital in Chikar, a remote village, and named it Comprehensive Disaster Relief Services or CDRS. He continues to run it.”
Todd Shea’s background is not one of opulence. He lost his mother when he was only 12 years old from a drug overdose and then went on to become a cocaine addict himself. He was a singer and guitarist traveling between Nashville and NYC. He found his true humanitarian calling when 911 happened in New York City, where he was getting ready to perform on that fateful day. Todd became a rescue worker that very day and has continued in that endeavor ever since. The passion and energy that Todd gives to his rescue work has garnered him a stellar reputation and copious amount of love on both continents.
Todd has remained steadfast with his work in Pakistan and has married a wonderful Pakistani woman that works beside him. Todd recruits doctors to work in the many outreach hospitals that he has set up in the rural areas of Pakistan. He seldom dresses in Pakistani clothes to hide his American heritage and is warmly welcomed by all who encounter him. The love between Todd and his adopted Pakistani world is mutual and is easily observed. The awards that have been given to Todd Shea by the Pakistani government and its citizenry are too numerous to list in total. A few of those awards are as follows: Tamgha-i-Eisaar Medal (Medal of Sacrifice) presented to Todd Shea from Pakistan, Plaque of Appreciation presented by Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Humanitarian of the Year Award presented to Todd Shea by The Central Asia Institute, Shield of Appreciation from The Earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority of Pakistan, and his most recent, the Award of Appreciation from the Association of Pakistani Physicians and Surgeons of the UK (December 2012).
Shawn Rae, born Shaanshehryar Khan Rae Zagajadoon, was raised until the age of 18 in Pakistan. His hometown is Abbottabad, Pakistan where Bin Laden was shot and killed. At the age of seventeen, the United States government invited Shawn from the Far East to study as an exchange student in the United States. He was then sent to Europe and Asia to act as an Ambassador for American Education. A year later, on his own, Shawn traveled back to the U.S., desiring to further his American studies. With this goal in mind, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Political Science and Economics. Later on, he received his LLB Degree (Juris Doctor) in International Law for the purpose of serving those suffering from human rights abuses in the developing world. Shawn has never found that invisible ceiling in America, instead, according to him, it was America that truly and warmly helped him achieve his goals. Shawn is very happy with his adopted country, having been a citizen for over 25 years.
As a recording artist Shawn is releasing his CD of love songs entitled ‘A World of Romance, A Time To Fall In Love’, as well as a duet with Deana Martin (renowned singer, actress), daughter of American musical icon Dean Martin, for his American debut of his Christmas Album, ‘A World Christmas, Love Knows No Borders’. The song “Baby It’s Cold Outside” was singled out by one of the founders of the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt as an example of American decadence. Yet, Shawn’s voice was chosen by the American producers to sing with Deana Martin, amongst a possible field of many famous American and European artists (Deana’s last duet was with the legendary Andy Williams a few years ago) without concern for Shawn’s Muslim background.
In all of his endeavors, Shawn is committed to share his resources, time and effort in supporting causes that alleviate homelessness, hunger, disease and despair. Ironically, even though Shawn did not meet Todd in Pakistan at that time, Shawn was also aiding in the relief efforts at some of the many sites of the 2005 earthquake disaster in Pakistan. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp5dTacspEo)
These two men, from very diverse backgrounds yet with very synchronistic goals have finally met in person. They both have great admiration for each other’s contributions and efforts to help the less fortunate. Todd has now let Shawn know that he is behind him 100% and Shawn has now let Todd know that he supports and truly admires his inspirational service. One can only wonder what wonderful humanitarian innovations are possible to be realized with these two individuals reaching out to help those in need. You can learn more about both these caring men on their websites:
Todd Shea: http://cdrspakistan.org/cdrs-founder/
Shawn Rae Video Bio 2013: http://youtu.be/jBt9I3g362Q and at http://www.shawnrae.com/
Dee Carr, ASR INTERNATIONAL, http://www.ShawnRae.com, 561.372.1640, [email protected]
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