The kids were so concerned with how they looked when they came to see us. They would pass down their best clothes to the next child being treated so they would look their best.

I'm really impressed by the community response and letters about how impressed people are about the project. It's truly inspirational.

The trip to Madagascar helped me with my dental education. I learned so much more being there than in a regular setting. I can't imagine where I'd be in my career and in my life if I had not taken that trip. Things would have been much different.

So many people throw out old shoes. After I sent out the emails, the whole thing snowballed. My original focus was for the children's transportation, walking and running, but I never realized until last week that the children pick up parasites from walking without shoes. There is also no place to buy shoes there.

What started off as a good thing has escalated into a really good thing. People want to hear about good news. Now, they just keep dropping off shoes, some with no note attached, at my parent's house.

Nicole is one of those kids that's going to win many meets for us. She just wanted to do really good for the team [with Orlando out], and I think she got frustrated with herself. I just didn't want to see her take another fall on that routine.