Dear Chris,

Chris,

I would like to know how this documentary has affected your life, confidence and self esteem. How does it make you feel to see how many of us have been affected by your story? I hope you can see, as the rest of us do, how incredibly amazing you really are. You are a special and extraordinary person with exceptional gifts and talents. For good reason you were chosen for this documentary. I hope that you can feel good everyday knowing how many people you have touched and how wonderful so many Americans know you are.

Thank you,

April Koonce

April Koonce
Florence, AL

Dear Chris,

Chris, I hope you are making plans. Are you working hard? Keep going. Do you plan another try at college or a vocational school? Keep on trying and do not give up. Did you know a whole nation is pulling for you? Good luck and work hard. You can do it.

Ruth Raczka
Milwaukee, WI

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris, Your story really touched my heart. My girlfriend and I watched the entire documentary, and to say the least, it really made us realize how different people's lives are. You are such a strong individual, and when I saw the things that you had to go through, it really made me feel selfish.I thought about everything that I take for granted and I think your documentary opened my eyes. You're a great person Chris. You had to put up with so much stuff while trying to go to school and getting your life on track, but you did it and you should never quit until you're the best that you can be. I know that your family life isn't the best, and i can feel your sadness, but even though I barely know you and you have no idea who I am, just remember I care about you, and theres a whole bunch of other people out there who saw your life and care too...look at all of your emails. hang in there pal. You can do anything that you put your mind to. good luck and I hope you have a great fulfilling life...you deserve it!

Anthony Burroughs
Michigan City, Indiana

Dear Chris,

Chris,

I come from Africa, specifically Kenya and I can relate to the struggles you went through. The fact that I have come this far, that I am getting my second graduate degree this time in Finance is a testimony that if you persevere enough, you will make it in the end. Keep your dreams alive. I hope one day I can invite you to go to Africa with me. You are tough enough to make it.

Stephen Gitau
St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Chris,

Dear chris,

As I watched your story, I understand what it is like to have learning disabilities. I have a learning disability in math. I have a bachelor's degree, but I have had to work very hard, it wasn't easy for me. I know what it is liked to be teased endlessly and it does leave scars in your heart and it is hard because people label you as stupid, you are very intelligent and don't let people get to you. You are a good worker, keep it up! I know you want to go to college, keep that goal in mind and keep working towards it! It doesn't matter what age you are to get a degree and you have a good friend who is very supportive. I am sorry to hear about the death of your father. God bless you in your goals and in life.amber

amber barnes
urbana, Illinois

Dear Chris,

God Bless you Chris! I am 23 years old and have struggled to get on my feet and make something of myself. I know how hard it is to see the light in the fog. Trust me you can do it. I fell in love with you and your passion to make life happen during your story. I just want you to know that life gets worse before it gets better. Keep your head up. God Bless.

Stephanie Brown
St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Chris,

Hi Chris,I want you to know that when I was a teenager, I struggled with going to school and working, too. You did the very best that you could and in the meantime, you were the rock of your family. I didn't go to college until I was 22 years old and I'm so glad that I did it. You will meet so many different people along the way. I know you want to do it. You'll do it when you're ready. In the meantime, I am rooting for you just like I did while watching the documentary. Take care.

Melissa Coates
Troutdale, Oregon

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris, You feel you did not have the support of your family but you now have a nation-wide group of people who are greatly concerned for you. Amongst all the other good advice I will add mine. Read, read, read. I presume you have a public library available to you. Use it! It is the 'people's university'. Read the histories, the sciences, the math (?), the literature, the arts, the test study books. You can educate yourself at the least and, in doing so, prepare for the next round of ACT and SAT tests. Many of us are wishing you the best. Don't give up and take care of yourself. You have a very caring spirit for others and it is OK to care for you too.

Nadine De Smet
Woodland, CA

Dear Chris,

It must be strange to receive so many letters from people you don't know, but after watching you for six hours we feel like we kind of know you. I think that the reason your story has touched so many of us, is because of the amazing potential you have. Although you were born into a really hard life it is clear to see how you strive, or want to strive, for success and happiness. You are an intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and self-aware person. My hope for you is that you will be able to create the life that you really want to live. I can picture you going to college, getting a degree and finding a job that will not only pay well, but will make you feel like you are doing something worthwhile. The great thing about college is that it will open up the world for you. You will see and think about things that you wouldn't have otherwise, and you will meet people that you normally wouldn't have met. It is hard to describe how this changes a person, but essentially it feels as though you can see things in the world that you could not see before. I can also picture you being a good husband and father; one who makes a happy and healthy home for his family. The exciting thing about your adult life is that it belongs to you. You own it and you are in charge of it. You can have the normal, loving family you always wanted when you make your own family. I think that we can all picture this for you, but more importantly can you picture it for yourself? Can you see yourself living a different life? I hope that you can. I hope that you will not stop trying. I hope that you do not give up on yourself. I think that the fact that you opened up your life to the world shows that you are open to all of the possibilities that life may have in store for you. As you can see from the letters you have received you have touched a lot of different lives living in many different places. We don't want you to let your dreams slip away and settle for a life that you don't have to live. You may be asking why we as a people even care, well that's easy - we like to see the good guys win! I hope that you win Chris. Good luck!

Jennifer Guidi
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Chris,

Chris

Thank you for sharing your life with us. That by itself took a lot of courage. Few of us, even those of us who live a much easier life and have never faced the hurdles you've had to face, would have the guts to allow the world to be our shadow as we lived our lives.

You gave so many a special gift, by honestly showing how difficult it is for some young people to get what so many take for granted; a fair chance at getting a good education. Because of your gift more young students will work a little harder, and more adults will be more willing to help them.

I hope you take full advantage of the positive things that will come from being in this film. You've earned it.

Nick Richmond
Eugene, OR

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris,I was touched by your story, and how much warmth and kindness you give to those around you. Your intelligence sparkles in the way you speak and the eloquence with which you are able to describe your troubles. I share the hope of many viewers that you are able to return to school and continue your education. As a 34 year old who recently returned to college, I can tell you that it matters, and feels great. Ultimately, though, I hope that you are well. David's film made me feel as though I know you and Cody, and I think you're both great guys who deserve everything that the world has to offer. I wish you the best of luck.

Richard Wentworth
Boston, MA

Dear Chris,

Dear ChrisI, like you, hated school and quit in the 11th grade. That was 1983. I am now 40 and i went and got my G.E.D. and have finished my first 1 1/2 yrs of college. If i can do it i know you will succeed. You are strong and have the determination it takes to make it. I wish you all the best. God Bless terri

Terri Lawrence
Magnolia, Tx

Dear Chris,

There are so many things i could say about Chris and Cody but it is Thursday night and most everything has been said except that I noticed how lovely Chris' voice is. His singing voice is beautiful but also his speaking voice. It is one of those voices I could listen to for hours like the voices of Earl Hamner Jr, Peter Coyote, and Shelby Foote. Hod did that young man raised in that home ever have a voice like that? I noticed he didnt drop his "ings". I think Chris could have a future in radio or tv. My nest is empty now and i kept thinking that i wish he could come live with me! Good luck Chris!

ellen
dayton, o

Dear Chris,

Dear Chris, Have you ever considered military service? They have programs where you can learn a trade, save money for college later, or even both. Many generations of people have had successful lives based upon spending their early years in the military.

Shirley Treumuth
Rochester Hills, Michigan

Dear Chris,

Wow! Potent stuff. I was transfixed. A bit infuriated too to watch such exceptional young men be beset by hardship upon hardship.

That Chris's family doesn't recognize and celebrate his extraordinary gifts is heartbreaking and maddening.

Cody, Rock On! And congrats on the wedding.

Chris, go to school! I hope it becomes possible for you after the movie airs. With a mind like yours...

Todd Chapman
NYC, NY