Acting on impulses can sometimes be dangerous. But for Aurea McGarry, there is no other way to live.
“I love the Nike ad ‘Just do it,’” said McGarry, a Cumming resident. “Sometimes you just know you got to do it ... what do I have to lose?”
McGarry’s “it” was launching her television show, “Live Your Legacy,” in 2008.
Acting as the show’s producer, director and writer, McGarry started filming her show at the Cumming Playhouse.
Two years and 22 episodes later, McGarry’s initial impulse has garnered a nomination for a Southeast Emmy Award.
The talk show “Living Your Legacy with Aurea McGarry” highlights nonprofit organizations, such as the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, or local groups such as the Forsyth County Humane Society.
“Legacy” is nominated in the interview/discussion category for outstanding achievement in television programming excellence.
The nominated episode spotlights the Noah’s Ark Animal and Children Rehabilitation Center in Locust Grove.
“My favorite things in the world are children and animals ... [Noah’s Ark staff] do so much for abandoned children,” said McGarry, adding that she hopes to do more with the organization in the future.
Born and raised in New York City, the hardships McGarry has experienced in her life are similar to the obstacles her show features.
At age 15, her father was murdered. Years later, McGarry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
After treatment, the cancer almost claimed the voice McGarry uses today as host of the show.
The surgeon said she would never be able to speak above a faint whisper because the surgery required the removal of a major nerve of her vocal chord.
McGarry, also a victim of domestic violence, believes all of these challenges have pushed her to success.
“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘You can judge the size of the person by the size of the obstacles it takes to stop them,’” she said.
No matter the size, it appears few obstacles can stop McGarry, who hopes her story and TV show can spread that attitude, regardless of whether she wins an Emmy.
“I really just want to give people hope,” she said. “I’m not a spring chicken anymore, but I’m still going for my dreams.”
The Southeast Emmys will be presented June 26 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta.
“I love the Nike ad ‘Just do it,’” said McGarry, a Cumming resident. “Sometimes you just know you got to do it ... what do I have to lose?”
McGarry’s “it” was launching her television show, “Live Your Legacy,” in 2008.
Acting as the show’s producer, director and writer, McGarry started filming her show at the Cumming Playhouse.
Two years and 22 episodes later, McGarry’s initial impulse has garnered a nomination for a Southeast Emmy Award.
The talk show “Living Your Legacy with Aurea McGarry” highlights nonprofit organizations, such as the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, or local groups such as the Forsyth County Humane Society.
“Legacy” is nominated in the interview/discussion category for outstanding achievement in television programming excellence.
The nominated episode spotlights the Noah’s Ark Animal and Children Rehabilitation Center in Locust Grove.
“My favorite things in the world are children and animals ... [Noah’s Ark staff] do so much for abandoned children,” said McGarry, adding that she hopes to do more with the organization in the future.
Born and raised in New York City, the hardships McGarry has experienced in her life are similar to the obstacles her show features.
At age 15, her father was murdered. Years later, McGarry was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
After treatment, the cancer almost claimed the voice McGarry uses today as host of the show.
The surgeon said she would never be able to speak above a faint whisper because the surgery required the removal of a major nerve of her vocal chord.
McGarry, also a victim of domestic violence, believes all of these challenges have pushed her to success.
“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘You can judge the size of the person by the size of the obstacles it takes to stop them,’” she said.
No matter the size, it appears few obstacles can stop McGarry, who hopes her story and TV show can spread that attitude, regardless of whether she wins an Emmy.
“I really just want to give people hope,” she said. “I’m not a spring chicken anymore, but I’m still going for my dreams.”
The Southeast Emmys will be presented June 26 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta.