Beyond Literacy: David Chalk's Heroic Journey Rewarded for Courage

The Call to Courage

In every hero’s journey, there is a moment—clear, profound, undeniable—when courage first whispers, then compels action. I first met David Chalk during the filming of The Truth About Reading, when his courage was already profoundly evident. At the age of 62, David revealed to the world his personal battle with illiteracy, a secret he’d carried, burdened by decades of shame, trauma, and silent pain.

David's life was far from simple. Despite becoming a successful entrepreneur, he navigated life without understanding his cognitive challenges, enduring adversity that might have broken another’s spirit. His guiding light was the wisdom of his mother: never give up on your dreams, get in your own way, and always embrace with unconditional love. He internalized her powerful lessons—to see people for who they truly are, not for who we expect them to be. With that conviction, David transformed each obstacle into fuel for resilience.

In recognition of his extraordinary journey, this year David was honored with the prestigious 2025 Courage to Come Back Award in Canada.

The Essence of the Courage to Come Back Award

The Courage to Come Back Award specifically honors individuals who have faced significant personal adversity—mental health challenges, trauma and major life obstacles—and who exhibit extraordinary resilience by turning hardship into meaningful action. They inspire through lived experience, triumphing over loss and dedicating their lives to uplifting others, igniting hope, compassion, and purpose in their communities.

Fran Blackwood’s Witness to Triumph

Though I couldn’t personally attend the ceremony, my dear friend of many years, Fran Blackwood, was present alongside her daughter, Kathryn Garforth. Fran vividly described the evening in the massive venue brimming with over 1600 elegantly dressed attendees, creating an atmosphere charged with warmth, anticipation, and profound reverence for the human spirit.

Fran shared the electrifying moment when David was introduced. The powerful notes of Aerosmith’s iconic song "Dream On"—with its poignant lyrics—guided him toward the stage. Upon reaching the podium, David paused silently, clearly moved by the significance of the moment. He then spoke passionately about how this very song had fueled him through difficult times, encapsulating his lifelong pursuit of hope and resilience. With profound sincerity, David echoed Steven Tyler’s timeless words: "You have to lose to know how to win—Dream On—Dream until your dreams come true." The raw authenticity of this revelation resonated deeply, forging a powerful emotional bond among all present.

David's Speech: A Moment of Courage and Reflection

Fran recounted how David spoke openly and vulnerably, his voice charged with emotion yet unwavering in resolve. He revisited his lifelong battle, the steadfast support from his mother, and the pivotal moments of courage that led him to unimaginable breakthroughs. As he concluded, thunderous applause erupted spontaneously, evolving into an overwhelming standing ovation, a moment so profound it felt as if time stood still, capturing the immense impact of his words.

A Moment Shared with Family and Friends

David shared this unforgettable moment with his children—his daughter Grace, age 23, soon embarking on her MBA at Simon Fraser University, and his son Luke, age 24, a recent graduate from Trinity Western University. Also supporting David with unwavering devotion were his brother Colin, cherished friend Michelle Vaughn, and Kevin Bobroske, his trusted co-founder of Reading Road.

Fran emphasized how deeply pride and respect radiated from David’s loved ones, magnifying the evening’s profound significance.

The Journey’s Turning Point

Fran recalled David’s powerful reflections about his return home after filming the documentary in Michigan. Something inside him had irrevocably shifted during those transformative 11 hours of innovative literacy instruction. He described the experience as a profound neurological awakening—a true rewiring of his brain.

Over the subsequent three years, David immersed himself deeply in neuroscience, bioscience, and the intrinsic connection between emotional comfort and learning. He discovered a groundbreaking truth: literacy emerges—not through memorization or formal spelling rules—but through implicitly recognizing patterns in the language, the very process by which children effortlessly acquire language.

The Birth of Hope Through Innovation

Leveraging his expertise in artificial intelligence and extensive computing infrastructure, David, alongside Kevin Bobroske, envisioned a revolutionary educational system. They crafted a gentle, intuitive approach driven by AI capable of interpreting subtle emotional signals—facial expressions, voice nuances, eye movements, and precise letter tracing. David's profound insight was crystal clear: successful literacy thrives in an emotionally nurturing environment, free from anxiety and stress.

His courage illuminated an entirely new path forward—Reading Road.

“All stories are true journeys of bravery, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity. I am grateful to those who have the courage to share their stories with us.” – Lorne Segal, Award Chair

The Greatest Gift: Hope

Fran’s reflections captured David’s heroic journey—not only his personal triumph but the profound promise it holds for millions. I know no one who could deserve it more as he will now fundamentally reshape the futures of countless individuals burdened by illiteracy and the emotional trauma it perpetuates.

David’s unflinching openness, unwavering resilience through decades of adversity, and relentless commitment have bestowed the greatest gift: hope. Hope that no child or adult ever needs to endure the quiet shame he experienced. Hope for a future where literacy, emotional health, and mental well-being coexist seamlessly.

Ultimately, David Chalk’s legacy is the transformative power of courage—the courage to change the world and nurture enduring hope.

John Corcoran