Chapter 3

In 1994 Carson cofounded the Carson Scholars Fund,

an organization that awarded scholarships to students who had demonstrated academic excellence and community service.

He received numerous awards during his career,

including the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom, given to him by U.S. Pres. George W. Bush.

Carson also traveled as a motivational speaker, was an outspoken supporter of creationism, and was the subject of the 2009 made-for-television movie Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. The movie took its title from Carson's autobiography, Gifted Hands (1990; with Cecil Murphey).