The Domino Effect: Brian Grant at TEDxPortland

Brian walks us through the challenges and opportunities in his life ranging from retiring from the NBA, depression, divorce and early onset Parkinson's. Knowing that you can't always control the outcome of life but you can control the amount of effort you put into it. He inspires us to lead active and fulfilling lives -- a slam dunk that received standing ovation from 1000+ in attendance!

During and after his 12-year-career in the NBA, Brian Grant dedicated his life to programs assisting seriously ill and underprivileged youth. In 2008, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and started the Brian Grant Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to helping those affected by Parkinson's live active and fulfilling lives. Among its other efforts, the foundation hosts an annual fund-raiser gala called "Shake It Till We Make It" that raises money to provide resources and support for those in need.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)