Giffords intern encourages Valley kids

TEMPE, AZ - The intern who helped save U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' life after she was shot in Tucson January 8 brought his message of hope and getting involved to troubled Valley kids today.

“It’s a little bit of inspirational message,” Daniel Hernandez said before he took center stage.

The event was called My Fest 2011. It was a chance for children with mental health, substance abuse and foster care issues to hear that there is hope.

“They need to find their passion so this is really about empowerment,” Hernandez said.

There were a few hundred people at Saturday's event at Tempe Town Lake. This is the 4th year for the event run by the My Life organization.

“These kids have extra challenges” said organizer Greg Disharry. “But we are here to help them get past that and have a better life for themselves.”

Hernandez wasn’t the only special speaker. National Champion wrestler Anthony Robles also gave an inspirational speech. He is an Arizona State University student athlete who was born with only one leg.