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Wabash County Republicans will be hosting Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr., M.D, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Honeywell Center. Dr. Carson will be presenting an inspirational talk on his latest book, America the Beautiful.

Prior to his famous speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, Carson was better known for his medical achievements. Carson had a childhood dream of becoming a physician. Growing up in a single parent home and challenged by poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper and low self-esteem appeared to end the realization of that dream until his mother encouraged her children to strive for excellence.

Carson persevered, and after more than 25 years as a full professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, he is now Emeritus Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Some of Carson’s numerous career highlights include performing the first and only successful separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987, and the first completely successful separation of type-2 vertical craniopagus twins in South Africa.

He holds more than 60 honorary doctorate degrees and has received literally hundreds of awards and citations.In 2001, Carson was named by CNN and TIME magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists. That same year, he was selected by the Library of Congress as one of 89 “Living Legends.”

Carson is currently president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. The Fund is currently operating in all 50 states, having awarded more than $5 million to more than 5,000 scholars.

Carson’s presentation hopes to inspire audience members to take charge of their lives, no matter what obstacles confront them. Tickets are $25, $34 and $42, and may be purchased at the Honeywell Center box office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by calling 260-563-1102 or by visiting honeywellcenter.org.