MEET SHAMIM

With determination and love, Shamim's parents created an environment to provide their son with the developmental tools that have enabled him to thrive.

Shamim's interest in collecting autographs began when he was a little boy at Disneyland. He enthusiastically filled his memory books with signatures from his new friends such as Mickey, Cinderella, and Captain Hook. As he grew older, his fascination with cultural icons flourished. Shamim was a huge fan of "The Wizard of Oz," and the first personal autograph he received was from one of the last surviving cast members, Mickey Carroll, who starred as the Fiddler Munchkin. And that was just the beginning.

Shamim sought out the autographs of people involved from all media: movie stars, sports legends, TV franchise icons, and more. To date, Shamim has amassed over five thousand autographs, and he remembers where and when he got every single one. An artist of the form, Shamim's approach to obtaining autographs is simple; he collects what he loves and brings love to the people whose autograph he collects.

Shamim doesn't let his disabilities get in the way of his abilities. Partially paralyzed on his left side, and impaired sight and coordination, has not stopped him from playing school sports, and becoming a gold medalist in the Special Olympics. Partially deaf, he plays multiple instruments.

Shamim even performed with the Beach Boys on stage and, of course, he had each of the legendary musicians sign his personal "Endless Summer" album cover. But he gets just as excited to be hanging out backstage with a Beatles Tribute Band and getting them to sign the cover of his first edition "Abbey Road" album.

At a San Francisco Giants game, Shamim was just as excited to collect the autograph from pitching ace Barry Zito on a game ball, as he was to get the ball signed by the peanut vendor. For Shamim, it's all about the experience and the human connections that can develop into lifelong friendships that truly matter.