About Our Founders
Native New Yorkers Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams came all the way to California to find one another in 1993. Married in 1996, they immediately set out to start a family. Since their extended family featured six nieces and no nephews, they were thrilled to learn that their first born would be a boy. Soon, they were blessed with the birth of Shane Alexander. He was 7 pounds of perfection, except that he could not move or breathe on his own. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic disorder afflicting one in 10,000 children, Shane lived only two weeks. But in his short life, Shane inspired his parents, family and friends to reach farther than they ever had before. The result, Shane’s Inspiration, has changed his parents’ lives forever. Scott & Catherine are on-goingly moved and amazed by the groundswell of support that has taken their dream and made it a reality that continues to grow.
They are deeply gratified to find their core belief “that every child deserves a chance to play” is embraced by so many, and has therefore improved the lives of thousands of children like Shane.
After 7 years of helping to create the Shane’s Inspiration foundation, Catherine no longer works day-to-day in the office. Her dear friend and co-founder Tiffany Harris runs the organization, while Catherine now advises and mentors small businesses and burgeoning non-profits. She is writing a book on the lighter side of women in business, and recently produced a seminar called “Bring It On: Fearless Aging for Women”. She also sits on the executive committee of Cedars-Sinai’s “Good Beginnings” program. Scott is a successful writer/producer in both TV and film. His credits include “NYPD Blue”, “Third Watch”, “Crossing Jordan”, “Bones”, Castle” and currently CBS’ top-rated “NCIS”.
Together, Scott & Catherine have been honored byL’Oreal Women of Worth, March of Dimes, Good Housekeeping, KCET, Lifestyle Magazine, the City of Los Angeles and State of California. While Shane’s Inspiration will always be closest to their hearts, they are active supporters of many philanthropic causes, such as Families of SMA, the Diabetic Youth Services, The Smile Train, and Penny Lane’s Be A Santa program. While grateful for so many blessings in their lives, Scott and Catherine are most proud to be the parents of Shane’s younger sister Grace Alexandra.
