Faith

7 Fascinating Facts About Dr. Carson — the Prayer Breakfast Speaker Whose Speech in Front of Obama Went Viral

Editor’s Note: Following intense interest in Dr. Benjamin Carson’s life story after his speech at yesterday’s National Prayer Breakfast, TheBlaze prepared the following biographical article.

The epic speech that Dr. Benjamin Carson gave at Thursday’s Nation Prayer Breakfast has gone viral. His address, which was delivered just feet away from President Barack Obama, railed against political correctness, with the doctor subsequently taking overtly-conservative stances on key social and political issues. The respectful tone and boldness with which he spoke has created intense intrigue.

(Related: Conservative Doc Reveals Why He Spoke Out Against Obama’s Policies at Prayer Breakfast — Plus, Would He Ever Run for President?)

So, TheBlaze has assembled some key information about Carson in an effort to tell you more about his truly captivating life.

Dr. Carson Is a Famous Pediatric Surgeon

Carson, 61, is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital (he obtained this lead position at the age of 33). His career focus is on traumatic brain injury and brain and spinal cord tumors, among dire health issues.

According to his biography, he has written over 100 publications about neurosurgery and he has penned numerous books. On top of that, the renowned doctor has received more than 50 honorary doctorate degrees and President George W. Bush gave him the Presidential Medal of Honor (see other honors over at Bio.com). Read more about Carson’s professional background here.

7 Key Facts About Dr. Benjamin Carsons Life | National Prayer Breakfast, Obama

Dr. Benjamin Carson speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton February 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly used the occasion to call for unity and common ground Washington politics. Credit: Getty Images 

He’s a Pioneer in the Separation of Conjoined Twins

Among his many talents, Carson has made bold attempts to separate conjoined twins. His first surgery in 1987 ended up being a success, as he was able to separate two 7-month-old twins from Germany. While Patrick and Benjamin Binder walked away with some brain damage from the procedure, it was an encouraging move in the right direction for an extremely-dangerous procedure. Carson’s surgery paved the way for other attempts to help ease the pain and horror craniopagus (joined at the head) twins experience.

Bio.com has more about other similar surgeries that the doctor conducted over the years:

In 1994, Carson and his team went to South Africa to separate the Makwaeba twins. The operation was unsuccessful, as both girls died from complications of the surgery. Carson was devastated, but vowed to press on, as he knew such procedures could be successful. In 1997, Carson and team went to Zambia in South Central Africa to separate infant boys Luka and Joseph Banda. This operation was especially difficult because the boys were joined at the tops of their heads, making this the first time a surgery of this type had been performed. After a 28-hour operation, both boys survived and neither suffered brain damage.

It was these operations that brought a plethora of media attention to Carson, paving the way for popularity and a public profile that continues to expand in scope.

Carson’s Early Life Wasn’t Easy

Judging from his career, one would never assume that the doctor’s early years were difficult. However, his story truly is a rags to riches tale, as his mother was instrumental in teaching him the values needed to succeed. He shared many of these struggles during Thursday’s address. He was raised by a single mom (named Sonya) who devoted herself to hard work in an effort to support her two children. Despite only having a third-grade education, she instilled educational values that forever resonated with her son.

Bio.com provides some snapshots into his early life:

There were occasions when [Sonya's] boys wouldn’t see her for days at a time, because she would go to work at 5:00 AM and come home around 11:00 PM, going from one job to the next. She was frugal with the family’s finances, cleaning and patching clothes from the Goodwill in order to dress the boys. The family would also go to local farmers and offer to pick corn or other vegetables in exchange for a portion of the yield. She would then can the produce for the kids’ meals. Her actions, and the way she managed the family, proved to be a tremendous influence on Ben and [his brother]. [...]

Determined to turn her sons’ [bad grades] around, Sonya limited their TV time to just a few select programs and refused to let them go outside to play until they’d finished their homework. She was criticized for this by her friends, who said her boys would grow up to hate her. But she was determined that her sons would have greater opportunities than she did. She required them to read two library books a week and give her written reports, even though with her poor education she could barely read them. She would take the papers and review them, scanning over the words and turning pages. Then she would place a checkmark at the top of the page showing her approval.

Considering his background, his push for hard work and responsibility was notable during yesterday’s prayer breakfast speech. While many utter such sentiments without experience to accompany them, Carson’s life shows that devotion to education really can pave the way to prosperity.

There Was a Movie Made About His Life

Carson’s life and work are so coveted, in fact, that a feature film was made about the doctor. “Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” was a made-for-television film that came out in 2009. A synopsis provides more information about the movie, which has relatively high ratings on IMDB:

From Amazon.com: Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Actor in a Supporting Role, Jerry Maguire, 1996) stars in this true story about a renowned brain surgeon who overcame obstacles to change the course of medicine forever. Young Ben Carson didn’t have much of a chance. Growing up in a broken home amongst poverty and prejudice, his grades suffered and his temper flared. And yet, his mother never lost her faith in him. Insisting he follow the opportunities she never had, she helped to grow his imagination, intelligence and, most importantly, his belief in himself. That faith would be his gift – the thing that would drive him to follow his dream of becoming one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons.

Here’s the trailer:

He Runs a Non-Profit Aimed at Helping Young Scholars

Education is clearly important to Carson. And considering his own path to success, his focus upon the need for a more knowledgeable and prepared populace is understandable. With his wife, Candy, he founded the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994, an organization devoted to helping solve America’s education crisis.

Recognizing that the public education system is in crisis, the Carsons decided to help motivate young people to take interest in learning at an early age. Here’s a description of what the Carson Scholars Fund does:

Carson Scholarships are awarded to students in grades 4-11 who exemplify academic excellence and humanitarian qualities. Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship to be invested toward their college education, along with a recognition package, and an invitation to attend an awards banquet. Carson Scholars become role models and leaders at their schools.

You can find out more about the organization on its official web site.

7 Key Facts About Dr. Benjamin Carsons Life | National Prayer Breakfast, Obama

Dr. Benjamin Carson speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton February 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly used the occasion to call for unity and common ground Washington politics. Credit: Getty Images 

Carson Is a Cancer Survivor

Carson helps children who are battling brain cancer, but he is also a prostate cancer survivor. In 2002, while in the midst of his bustling medical career, the doctor found out that he had an aggressive form of the disease. He found out this shocking news while in the middle of performing a surgery on a child.

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Carson later described putting the news out of his mind so that he could successfully finish the procedure. However, rather than focusing exclusively on himself in that terrible moment, he selflessly thought about the many patients he would be unable to help if the disease took his life.

“I have the ability to put things out of my mind, so I just put it out of my mind and finished the operation,” he said. “But certainly, you know, that evening it did weigh heavily upon me as I began to realize that wow, I have cancer. The thing that bothered me was the fact that I would be leaving so many people behind.”

Inevitably, he overcame the disease and is now healthy.

He’s Also a Devout Christian

In case you didn’t know, Carson is a Christian. Jesus Christ was a fixture in his National Prayer Breakfast speech (as was the Bible). He’s a Seventh-Day Adventist who believes that the United States has been uniquely blessed by God. In addition to caring deeply about his patients’ physical health, he has expressed a deep devotion to addressing the nation’s spiritual and political issues — something he did head-on during yesterday’s speech.

The Christian Broadcasting Network once profiled Carson, noting that his views about America are rooted in its history and founding:

Dr. Carson believes as a nation, America has been favored by God because we have acknowledged Him. The forefathers of our nation were clearly guided by Sovereign leadership when they knelt and prayed for wisdom at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Together they stood up and assembled a seventeen page document known as the Constitution of the United States of America. Our nation was founded on principles revealed to us in the Bible by a righteous and just God. These teachings began in the home and continued at school. In early public schools reading from the Bible was not only common, it was expected.

In order for America to continue leading the world, Carson believes that it’s important to apply God’s standards to individuals’ lives. Rather than embracing partisan solutions, CBN notes that he wants the nation to “stop being political and start being logical” in addressing key issues.

For more about Carson, read his Bio.com profile and visit the Carson Scholars Fund’s web site. Watch his original speech here.

Editor’s note: The Ben Carson speech post is one of most popular and viral in the two-year history of TheBlaze. On Friday’s BlazeCast (live from 12-1PM ET) we talked about how Blaze readers really helped drive momentum to this important story:

Related:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (153)

  • Depressed_American
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:17pm

    I have not seen any negativity yet from the Liberal sites……

    Just waiting for them to beat down this very impressive individual. You know they don’t like a MAN who can think for himself, and DOESN’T bow at the feet of the King of America……

    Report this comment

    Depressed_American  
    • jmgair
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:02pm

      At least Carson has a great record and is far more qualified than the guy who was nervously listening to his speech.

      Report this comment

      jmgair  
    • Shortround
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 1:31pm

      It is not what the MSM has said. It is what that don;t say! This man is awesome! I wish he was in the White House this very day. Instead of having a man with a brain who can operate on a brain we gave a mega superstar celeb for prez, Truly a sad event.

      Report this comment

      Shortround  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:08pm

      His mother is the hero. His journey was easy compared to hers. She, not he, new the mission.

      Report this comment

      The_Jerk  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:24pm

      Must have missed the “k.” That would be, she “knew” the mission. Like her, my reading skills are limited too.

      Report this comment

      The_Jerk  
    • imsteph
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:40pm

      Agree with Shortround—if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound?

      If something happens and the msm refuses to cover it—did it really happen?

      Report this comment

      imsteph  
    • antiprogressive
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:49pm

      awesome.
      and if he was white???

      Report this comment

      antiprogressive  
    • GENEPAGLIARI
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:07pm

      God bless his principles and values. May he continue to be a thorn in the side of the royals.

      Report this comment

      GENEPAGLIARI  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:15pm

      If Obama had a son, he would “not” look like him.

      Report this comment

      The_Jerk  
    • johnpaulkuchtajr
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:19pm

      Hey Depressed,

      What was DEPRESSING was to watch an absolutely worthless piece of humanity, who happens to wield almost as much power as his wife Michelle, being exposed to solutions that would save America and knowing he just doesn’t give a flying crap. Obama looked like he had just been introduced to Bubba and Sweeney in his first night at County Lock-Up; and, both had given him Valentines.

      The chaos in our fiscal house is exactly what the Ayatollah Obama is striving to foster. Ditto for the Middle East being on fire. What would bring this country to its knees faster than $500.00 per barrel oil? That would give him the excuse he needs to trot-out his Civilian National Security Force. You remember his wet dream from July 2008 when he went off-script and disclosed his plans for HIS army. How much you want to bet they all carry AR 15′s and wear berets with little Obama patches on the front?

      I sure hope that you Blazers are joining Oathkeepers. You don’t have to be a veteran, retired policeman or government employee to join. You DO have to be an old school Patriot. A man may soon have to know who his kin is, if you get my drift!

      “Remember Benghazi and ALL the Traitors!”

      Report this comment

      johnpaulkuchtajr  
    • jowettusmc
      Posted on February 9, 2013 at 1:41pm

      Keep a watch out to see if this guys (1) disappears, (2) commits suicide, (3) loses his job, (4) is exposed as a fraud, etc. Just keep an eye out – I’m sure the ******** are out there frantically digging into his past in order to discredit him.

      Report this comment

      jowettusmc  
    • richauthor
      Posted on February 10, 2013 at 1:36am

      Let’s see now… who’s more qualified to be President?

      Choom-boy or Dr. Ben Carson…

      Report this comment

      richauthor  
    • indyron
      Posted on February 10, 2013 at 12:00pm

      @antiprogressive – “and if he was white???”

      If you had a Brain Tumor and he was the surgeon that would save your life, would it matter if he was PURPLE?

      Report this comment

      indyron  
  • solo1
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:59am

    why is this the first time weve heard about this guy? and why isnt he running for office?

    Report this comment

    solo1  
    • 19RANDY59
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:13pm

      Dr. Carson had better keep his eyes open. there’s probably a Drone hovering nearby

      Report this comment

      19RANDY59  
    • 4BlueStars
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:23pm

      I heard of him several years ago. But I think he does more good as a gifted surgeon than as a politician.

      Report this comment

      4BlueStars  
    • armyofnibiru
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:56pm

      heard a hellicoptor flying low over the house yesterday,went out to look.saw a military chopper flying low escorted by three drones till they flew out of sight.the govt killed the constitution decades ago now they no longer care if we know it . and why has google whited out antartica,are there realy pyramids there?that would make them a little older than egypts by at least 798’000 years,and I was always told cromagnum is only 150,000 years old.

      Report this comment

      armyofnibiru  
    • Cavy2see
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 3:16pm

      I know …we never hardly hear about good people who struggled to get where they can make the truthful difference…God Bless

      Report this comment

      Cavy2see  
    • SquirrelNYC
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:55pm

      Why isn’t he running office? He’s got much more important job to do as a pediatrician. However, for about 20 minutes he gave the speech a United States president should give, while standing behind the podium with the presidential seal. It was powerful, genuine, and worth listening to. It was a pleasure listening to and watching Dr. Carson’s speech, and seeing that pretender to the side who has soiled the Presidential seat squirm was just an nice little bonus.

      Thank you Dr. Carson – God bless you and the children you help.

      Report this comment

      SquirrelNYC  
    • catty
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:59pm

      The whole country has known about this guy for years, where have you been?

      Report this comment

      catty  
    • sta
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 7:01pm

      “Gifted Hands” is the movie about him

      Report this comment

      sta  
    • Libertee4UnMe
      Posted on February 9, 2013 at 12:22pm

      This man is a superstar and could be a role model for all. Why spoil his illustrious career by catapulting him into the cesspool of politics? He is touching the lives of thousand of young people in ways a politician would never do through his organization and his writings. Maybe he is the disciple of conservatism that we have longed for.

      Report this comment

      Libertee4UnMe  
    • katzkiner
      Posted on February 9, 2013 at 6:24pm

      Answer: The Obama Machine just unveiled him at an Obama event two chairs over from “Our Lord And Savior” and all the girls are getting their panties wet. Rand Paul, Colonel West, Herman Kaine, Michelle Bachman, leaders you KNOW. And I don’t care if Cain likes the ladies, so do I. Ask me about this NEW guy in a year. Did I ever tell you the story about the dog with a bone over pool of water?

      Report this comment

      katzkiner  
  • godlovinmom
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:48am

    Fascinating story…ascinating man…Truly a man after God’s own heart!…I’m not into political correctness either :0)

    Report this comment

    godlovinmom  
  • bikerdogred1
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:45am

    This man is (WHAT A GUY) no doubt about it.

    Report this comment

    bikerdogred1  
    • oneshiner
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 4:00pm

      This is what we’d want in a President. What a wonderful person Dr. Carson is.

      Report this comment

      oneshiner  
  • newsjunkie
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:37am

    What a great speech. This man should be our president. Too bad our demander in chief probably wont understand it.

    Report this comment

    newsjunkie  
    • txannie
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:45am

      @newsjunkie…what? you want everyone to be responsible for their own actions and choices instead of looking for the easy way and entitlement? Good grief, what a concept….

      Report this comment

      txannie  
    • Shasta
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:05pm

      @News, O understood it. You can tell by how quickly the smile left his face. Also, I thought it was interesting how the video zoomed in enough to cut out Moo’s face after the O’s started getting angry.

      Report this comment

      Shasta  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:47pm

      Yes, you could see from Obama’s face that he knew the doctor was speaking to him.

      Report this comment

      decendentof56  
  • txannie
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:36am

    He and obo obviously went to different schools of life too,… a caring mother vs an absent mother, hard work vs “choom gang”, earning vs entitlement,…and look which one is helping others and which one is still looking for entitlements…

    Report this comment

    txannie  
  • Bobby D
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:26am

    I posted ten minutes ago, Glen, and nothing, so here I go yet again/

    I know this man. If you, too, knew him I believe there would be no doubt in you that he is such a credit to humanity and everything G-d creates.

    Report this comment

    Bobby D  
    • Shasta
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:02pm

      1) You are correct. 2) Have patience, this site is very loaded down and slow. 3) I think it’s ok to spell out GOD…for now at least.

      Report this comment

      Shasta  
  • curmudgeon60
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:25am

    Does it mention that he was also the FIRST to do intrauterine procedure to relieve pressure on a hydrocephalic twin . I heard him say once that he asked GOD to guide his hands . I’ve enjoyed listening to him for 30 years on various Christian programs. Thanks Blaze for following up w/more info!

    Report this comment

    curmudgeon60  
  • ladyda
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:23am

    This man is a most awesome role model for all, but especially the black males in this country who, because of Government intervention, have removed the father’s from families and turned the “single mothers” into generational Government dependents, ruining the initiative for personal responsibility, replacing it with entitlement mentality and feelings of victimization and class envy, which usually ends up with most of these sons doing time on states chain gangs.. Dr. Carson is the antithesis of our “Dear Leader” Obama. What a blessing this man is!

    Report this comment

    ladyda  
  • OBUMAURMAMA
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:22am

    This is child abuse!
    His mother made him do homework instead of hang around with the local gang.
    His mother taught him how to be a good Christian.
    His mother taught him how to be a man even without a man around.
    This alone constitutes child abuse in todays p.c. society.
    Bet he didn’t get where he’s at by hollering race, going for affirmative action, claiming he’s a closet homosexual or transgender bisexual, Doctor, of current enlightenment. Bet he wasn’t allowed to march in the streets yelling at working taxpayers that they are capitalist pigs.
    All solid, todays child abuse. We’re liable to find he’s a global warming skeptic. That could cost him any job or position in current Democrat government.

    Report this comment

    OBUMAURMAMA  
  • Bobby D
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:09am

    I know this man. You, too, would believe as I know, and not JUST FEEL, he is a credit to humanity, and to all things G-d creates.

    Report this comment

    Bobby D  
    • shirleyandpearl
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:42am

      That’s for certain! He IS a great spokesman for the values/policies in
      America we want for our children and future generations. Obama was furious. I hope that Orin Hatch was in agreement with him, just he didn’t want to be contradictory to Dear Leader. It would have been great to see Sen. Hatch show more enthusiasm, despite of the guy sitting next to him. This was a WONDERFUL speech!

      Report this comment

      shirleyandpearl  
    • westtitus
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 12:12pm

      Thank God his mother didn’t abort him or we would not have all the miracles God has done thru his hands.

      Report this comment

      westtitus  
  • Wilma
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:06am

    I heard Dr. Carson give a commencement speech at the University of Miami. He is an amazing man; a hero in many ways.

    Report this comment

    Wilma  
  • JerryReno
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:04am

    Dr. Carson, I would like to impose upon your sensibilities and Christian morals, while asking you to consider running for the office of President of the United States as a member of the Libertarian party.

    Report this comment

    JerryReno  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:03am

    Christianity is always a win win if done right.

    Report this comment

    searching for the Truth  
  • Mainer forever
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:01am

    What a great story. Thank you Blaze.

    Report this comment

    Mainer forever  
  • redsred
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:50am

    an amazingly accomplished person who puts stereotypes to rest. guided by a low income, low educated single mother he attains fantastic success because she knows how to be a parent. is the lesson not clear to the shiftless takers. there is a way and it is not gangs and drugs and thugs.

    Report this comment

    redsred  
  • jungle J
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:49am

    If minorities followed his lead they would own the world in 50 years. But, they would also be compassionate owners.

    Report this comment

    jungle J  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 11:55am

      If minorities followed his lead..instead of all this redistribution and actually made it on their own merits..like Doctor Carson…what a America that would be :0)

      Report this comment

      godlovinmom  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:42am

    Yeeeeaahhhhh…. I don’t see him getting any more invites to the White House prom!!

    Report this comment

    RightUnite  
  • barber2
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:41am

    See . There are heroes in our world. The Far Left MSM is just too blind and twisted to recognize and publicize them.

    Report this comment

    barber2  
  • barber2
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:40am

    Dr. Carson epitomizes the Christian message of love . It was so refreshing to see him at the podium after 4 years of the political divisiveness of the Obama Chicago Democrats who won an election on Blame Bush and made a career out of Blame Everyone else for their own ineptness. Karl Marx was no Christ . And the Chicago radicals project Marx’s message of blame, anger, hate and division.

    Report this comment

    barber2  
    • BODYBAG
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:54am

      “Democrat Melowese Richardson has been an official poll worker for the last quarter century and registered thousands of people to vote last year. She candidly admitted to Cincinnati’s Channel 9 this week that she voted twice in the last election.”

      “Richardson insists she has done nothing wrong and promises to contest the charges: “I’ll fight it for Mr. Obama and for Mr. Obama’s right to sit as president of the United States.”

      RAMPANT VOTER FRAUD IN OHIO
      http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/340174/voter-fraud-never-happens-keeps-coming-back-john-fund

      Report this comment

      BODYBAG  
    • carbonyes
      Posted on February 8, 2013 at 2:04pm

      Barack Hussein Obama is no Christian. Inviting a Muslim to a prayer breakfast and then letting the dweeb stand up and profess that we, meaning he puts his faith in the nail scared hands of Jesus Christ is a sacrilege. Obama no more believes in Jesus Christ than Farahkhan. God hates liars, which Obama is one of the chief liars and there is a special place in Hell prepared for him.

      Report this comment

      carbonyes  
  • mcdaris324
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:39am

    you can watch the movie on netflix really good

    Report this comment

    mcdaris324  
  • Locked
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:36am

    Sounds like an amazing man. God bless!

    Report this comment

    Locked  
  • honor007
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:36am

    I enjoyed that so much yesterday!!! (around 5 times)
    God Bless him.

    Report this comment

    honor007  
    • TurboCat
      Posted on February 9, 2013 at 4:51am

      Did my heart some good to see the looks on O-blame-a’s face! I’ve seen that look before, when Netanyahu schooled him on those 67′ borders. O-blame-a can dish it out, but he can’t take it!

      Report this comment

      TurboCat  
  • gyro
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:34am

    Nice guy but statments like “stop being political and start being logical” are going to get him tossed off from the white house skeet shooting team
    on topic
    He has a great history and future well done sir

    Report this comment

    gyro  
  • nonwinger
    Posted on February 8, 2013 at 10:32am

    Will the mainstream media give coverage to this remarkable story?

    Report this comment

    nonwinger  

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