While working as the head mechanic of a transportation company in May 1997, Jay Blake was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. At the age of 31, he was faced with relearning how to live as a completely blind person.

Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in rehabilitation. After being released from Massachusetts General Hospital, he enrolled in an intensive program at The Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts. With renewed self-determination, Jay began to follow his dream: owning a professional auto-racing team. He soon learned that even without his sight, he was still able to do what he loved most - work on racing engines. Turning his dream into a reality, Jay combined his renewed participation in drag racing with his desire to spread his true-life success by inspiring others, both with and without disabilities, to accomplish their goals through the power of positive thinking and self-determination.

In the summer of 1999, Jay was presented with an opportunity. Because he had remained so positive in the aftermath of his accident, people began to request that he speak of his experiences and philosophy. The enthusiastic response from the audience of these initial presentations and his supporters encouraged him to keep pursuing his dream and to form the Follow A Dream organization.

During the past three years, Follow A Dream has participated in speaking events around the country. Founder Jay Blake speaks at schools, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, businesses and civic groups where he shares his experiences and accomplishments of overcoming his disabilities. Although presentations are customized to connect with each audience's unique livelihoods and interests, Follow A Dream's objective is consistent: to inspire the participants to shift into positive thinking, and to follow and achieve their dreams through self-determination and teamwork.

Follow A Dream's race car is often brought to the speaking site as a popular crowd pleaser and event attraction. With the car as a draw, the team assists in fundraising activities for other non-profit organizations, e.g. DARE program, The New England Home for Little Wanderers, and the Franciscan Children's Hospital.

To arrange for a Follow A Dream presentation at your club, business or school, contact us.

Today, Follow A Dream reaches an estimated audience of 500,000 annually through its community outreach, racing and events programs.