It’s not everyday you can say you met a hero. But yesterday, a group of unsuspecting citizens were in the presence of a real-life hero who I got to claim as my friend. Tall, blond, and unassuming, Phil doesn’t really look like a hero, but don’t let his boyish looks deceive you. He’s changing the world and I’m honored to be able to watch!

Phil and Nina are our European directors for The A21 Campaign. When I met them a year ago I insisted on a visit to our USA office and promised them to host them if they came. Well—as sovereign serendipity would have it—they were able to fly out and meet up with our California team. What other quintessential American experience could I give besides taking them to Disneyland, right? Riiiiiiiight. 😉

We walked into the Happiest Place on Earth [aka Disneyland] and immediately I wanted to share the full experience with them. A few of the rides were down for maintenance and I was beginning to feel like we came on the wrong day to experience Walt Disney’s dreamatorium.

Until we met Jared!

We simply stopped to ask him a question, but—you know me—I instantly wanted to be his friend and tell him all about the wonderful things Phil is doing and why he was here. It went a little something like, Oh my gosh, no really, he’s a hero. Phil started with the organization when we began not even four years ago and now he’s doing amazing things within the fight against human trafficking. [inhale] And now he’s being recognized as one of the nation’s top leader fight modern-day slavery. Isn’tThisExciting.ICan’tBelieveIt.WowHe’sAHero. [inhale]

When Jared [my new friend] heard about the awesome things Phil and all of our global teams are doing around the globe, he asked us to wait a minute as he disappeared into the secret offices of Disney cast members. When he returned, he opened his satchel like Mary Poppins and pulled out SEVEN tickets to the sold out show we couldn’t get into, SEVEN buttons we got to wear throughout the day to tell everyone we were special, and fast passes for us to get onto the best rides in park!

To which screamed, told Jacob I loved him, and proudly told everyone I knew that I was friends with a hero.

For my friends who think you’re in an impossible situation or are fighting a battle against insurmountable odds, I’m going to point out my friend Phil to you as source of inspiration. What he’s had to overcome in the fight between good and evil, right and wrong, is nothing short of heroic. He’s where he’s at today simply by not giving up and showing up every day to stand for what is right.

I’m going to do the same. Even if I don’t get a button.