Miami’s Career Landscape: Hospitality

Miami has no longer become a stopover city for cruise goers and travelers to South America; it has become the final destination for many tourists. Known for our luxurious amenities, beautiful beaches, and world-class nightlife, our city played host to 14.6 million tourists in 2014. Such international events as Art Basel, Ultra Music Festival, and various sporting events bring in a variety of different visitors. Law360 reported that domestic travel has increased by 10% and international travel is up by 6% within the last year. With 11.9% of all employees in the county working in hospitality, the industry is continuously growing as tourism increases. 

As Miami entertains the masses, the hospitality industry is trying to keep up with the demand. According to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami was ranked third highest in national occupancy rates. Beating out Orlando and Los Angeles with a rate of 76.8%. With this influx of vacationers, hotels are trying to keep up with this high demand. As of January, an estimated 6,000 new hotel rooms will be added to Miami’s inventory by the end of this year.

As these new hotels are being built, there are many other projects in the works that intend to attract more visitors to the area. The Miami Design District plans to finish Phase III of construction by the end of the year, which will include more luxury shopping, the new Institute for Contemporary Art building, and more public art spaces. On the western side of the county, the American Dream Miami project will attempt to become the biggest mall in North America. A 200-acre complex, costing over $4 billion, the mall plans to begin construction within the year—with the unveiling intended for 2018. Nevertheless, you are able to see a growth in international travel before these projects will be complete.

In the past five years, there has been a steady increase of foreign travelers. Miami New Times revealed that Miami hosted a total of 5.7 million foreign visitors in 2015, showing an increase of 4% when compared to the previous year. This is further proved by the steady traffic seen at our airport. Deemed America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, Miami International Airport sees close to 20 million passengers a year. In 2015, MIA introduced 5 new international destinations to its global network. The airport estimates that with the addition of these new destinations 3,435 jobs will be added and $457 million will be contributed to our economy. Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director Emilio T. González remarks, “…that each new international destination and flight that we add to our network has the effect of someone starting a brand new business here in Miami-Dade County, and that’s clearly a good thing for our entire community.”

Miami-Dade County reported that within the fourth quarter of 2015, the Leisure and Hospitality Industry added the most jobs of any industry. A total of 6,900 were added in the last quarter alone, proving to be up 5.2% to the previous year. Most of these jobs can be found at our localcasinos, first-rate hotels, and international cruise lines.

The Miami Job Market and Where We Stand

As we move further away from the ‘Great Recession’ and look towards a brighter economic future, we look to statistical proof for upward growth. So where do we rank the Miami job market within this developing economy?

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in

Miami was at 5.4 percent as of last September. With the national rate at 5.2 percent, a ‘normal’ rate averages around 5 percent. At this point, it can then be assumed that the labor market is healthy and wages will soon start to rise. Comparing this assessment to that of the Miami area, it can then be expected that the city is well on its way to a strong job market. However, the strength of the market cannot be measured by the unemployment rate alone.

To calculate the unemployment rate you must first categorize the unemployed from the employed. Simply put, the employed are people with jobs; the unemployed people are without. Yet not everyone falls into such a binary cataloguing. The term ‘unemployment’ has endless definitions. According to the official calculation, an unemployed person can be jobless, looking for a job, and/or available to work. This excludes any individuals living in institutions (ex. prisons) and those on active duty in the Armed Forces. Though, due to this labeling, not all individuals are taken into account of this statistic. Where do retirees, stay-at-home parents, students and disheartened ex-job seekers land?

For a more accurate reading of the current job market, we must consider some other socioeconomic factors. Recently WalletHub.com compared 150 of the most populated cities in the U.S. to determine their job market strength. Miami was ranked 91st, following behind Tampa (ranked 23rd), Orlando (ranked 25th), and Jacksonville (ranked 70th). The site compiled 8 relevant metrics to determine the standing of each metropolitan area. They are calculated based off of:

• Job Opportunities: The number of job openings divided by the number of unemployed residents.
• Employment Growth: The rate of annual job growth, adjusted for the working-age population.
• Monthly Median Starting Salary: Which was adjusted for the cost of living.
• Unemployment Rate
• Industry Variety
• Full-Time Employment: The number of part-time employees for every 100 full-time employees.
• Percentage of Employed Residents Living Under the Poverty Line
• Disability Friendliness: The percentage of employed persons with disabilities.

These new measures shed a broader light on the current economy of our city. As compared to WalletHub.com’s 2015 study, Miami has shown exceptional growth within the last year. Private-sector payrolls have grown by 2.6 percent, taking 24,360 workers out of unemployment. Current predictions believe that the job seeker of 2016 will be entering a strong job market in Miami due to “strong population growth, well-developed infrastructure and deep international linkages.” We can also expect lower unemployment rates, a more stable real estate market, and an increase in tourism.

Miami’s Career Landscape: Healthcare

The healthcare sector is the largest industry in the US and is always in high demand. With roughly one quarter of the population over the age of 55, the medical industry has become an important staple of the Miami-Dade community. Yet, there is currently a shortage of healthcare professionals throughout the country and South Florida.

With the initiation of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the demand for physicians has been on the rise, while the supply is severely lacking. This has caused the primary-care system in Miami to be flooded with newly insured patients, with limited healthcare professionals to keep the industry running. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges there is a projected shortage of 130,600 doctors by 2025. Luckily the area is seeing a rise in employment.

As the economy has been steadily rising since 2010, hospitals have only just begun to feel these earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hospital sector has increased its hiring by 7.04% in the last six years. Miami alone has seen this employment triple since 2014. Local PNC economist, Mekael Teshome, believes that Miami’s medical career landscape is “where the big opportunities are”.

Currently, MiamiJobs.com has over one thousand medical positions posted on their site. According to the Sun Sentinel, the largest number of job openings in South Florida are in the medical sector. Of the top ten largest employers in Miami, four hospitals made the list. In addition, the companies with the most job openings include Baptist Health South Florida and Miami’s Children’s Hospital. Jackson Health System will soon be on this list, as they plan to add a dozen more urgent care centers to the community within the next year. They also maintain the nation’s third largest hospital, Jackson Memorial which is also a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Miami.

The Miller School of Medicine lies in the heart of Miami’s health district, which is the second largest of its kind in the country. Within this neighborhood, you can find 6 hospitals, various specialty care centers, and the University of Miami’s Life Sciences and Technology Park. As the park continues its expansion, it plans to become a collaborative space for faculty, students, scientists, and entrepreneurs alike. Mixing the private and public sectors, the park is campaigning to become host to large medical corporations.

Currently many pharmaceutical, biosciences, and medical companies call Miami home. Beckman Coulter, BD Biosciences, Cordis, and Merck have chosen the city due to its reputation as an up-and-coming healthcare king of the South.   

With new facilities being built and new schools of medicine being established, Miami is a hub of activity in the medical field.

Bouncing Back After Being Fired

Whether you were slacking on the job or simply laid off due to budget cuts, getting fired can be difficult. The loss of a career can be hard to grieve but the time afterwards is vital. Here is some advice on how to bounce back from being fired.

1. Learn from your mistakes.

The first step in the recovery process is to understand why you were let go. Reflect on your job performance and ask for honest feedback. Seek advice from your ex-coworkers or a good friend. Did you have a bad attendance record? Were you rude to customers? Check this list, and see if you recognize some of these habits in yourself. If you do, maybe consider on how you can improve yourself and how others see you.

2. Consider a new career path.

Take this time to contemplate on your time at the company. Did you enjoy what you did? Did your job adhere to your core values and beliefs? Did you resent going to work every day? Maybe this is an opportunity to dive into another industry.

3. Set a routine.

Stay in the habit of getting ready for work and getting out of the house. Wake up at your normal time and don’t get in the practice of staying out late on weekdays. This is not a vacation and should not be treated as such if you wish to get back in the saddle.

4. Keep busy.

Volunteer, participate in an internship, but most importantly, keep your mind active and your skills sharp. If you are an accountant, get in the habit of routinely checking into Quickbooks and managing your accounts. Don’t lose your proficiencies because you have become discouraged. Taking up freelance work, is also a chance to be productive and avoids any gaps in your resume.

5. Set deadlines for your job-hunt.

Your chief goal is to land a job as soon as possible. So treat your job search as a full time position. The quicker you get back your feet, the easier it is. So set deadlines for yourself. Maybe you want to apply to 25 jobs per week or walk into 3 businesses a day. Establish these goals, and you won’t become overwhelmed by process.

6. Update your skills.

Use this time to become a better you. Always wanted to finish your Bachelor’s? Or wished you had gotten that certificate? By continuing your education, you will gain new talents, allowing you to become more employable. For a small monthly fee, Lynda.com offers thousands of certifications on different software. However if you are looking for a cheaper option, look to your local public library for free courses and Youtube.com for quick videos and tutorials.

7. Keep in network.

Depending on the outcome of your dismissal, keep in touch with your ex-coworkers and others in your professional network. Refrain from burning any bridges, as these connections may help you find your next opportunity. This might prove difficult as you may be embarrassed; however it is important to maintain your professional image and remain in sight of potential employers.

8. Be positive.

The most important thing to remember during this time is to think positively. This might prove difficult, but your negativity will reflect poorly on your future endeavors. Just remember that your next adventure is out there, it just might be a little harder to find. Focus on improving yourself and set your sights on the next big thing, whatever it may be.

Cheats To Clean Up Your Social Media

What you tweet, post, and share have become a part of your own personal brand but are you aware of how you present that brand to others? As social media has become an essential part of our daily lives, more employers are looking to the internet to determine whether future employees are appropriate for the job.

According to studies, 51 percent of employers rejected candidates after browsing their social media habits. This tendency to descend deeper into the applicant’s digital background has become a standard practice in the recruitment process. A resume reports the qualifications of an applicant, but does not give the depth of someone’s personality and behaviors. Companies want to see how these individuals present themselves in their daily lives and how they interact in public settings. Does a candidate fit the company culture? By looking at how an applicant presents their own personal brand, an employer can get a feel for how they would represent the company. So here are some cheats to clean up your digital act and help you present yourself in a better light to future employers.

1. Google yourself.

This is a good starting place to determine your online reputation. Do you like what see and what could be improved? A good Google search should include as much positive information about you as possible. Don’t forget to also check the images that are associated with your name—these tend to be the most unforgiving.

EXTRA TIP: Although my name is fairly uncommon, I have taken to using my full name to represent my brand. This allows a more filtered search, so that my accounts can be easily found.

 

2. Label your accounts     personal or professional.

Reflect on how you use each social media account. Do you use your Facebook to pursue professional matters or to catch up with old friends? Is Twitter used to promote your new article or a long-winded rant on the current election? Contemplate how you want to be perceived in professionally. Facebook tends to run on the more personal side, whereas LinkedIn should be used strictly for professional interactions. Twitter and Instagram remain in the gray area, as they can be helpful in promoting your skills put down in your resume (i.e. photography, writing, etc.).

EXTRA TIP: Consider making multiple accounts. Maybe have a professional and a personal Twitter.

3. Review your permissions.

Determine who is able to see what. This is an easy way to control your image and maintain your online reputation. Lock down all personal accounts, allowing only close friends and family to see your private life. However, when an employer sees a lack of online presence, this can reflect negatively. So make sure to compensate by allowing your professional accounts to be easily found.

4. Keep it PC.

Avoid strong use of language, photos of obscene gestures, blatant depictions of alcohol and drug abuse, and above all, keep it politically correct. Never have your future employer questioning your ability to professionally interact in a public setting. This is when I emphasize the strategic use of permissions, especially on your personal Facebook page.

5. Keep it positive.

When an employer sees a negative post, they jump to the conclusion that you would bring that negativity into the work environment. Therefore, concentrate on promoting yourself in a positive way. Retweet an inspiring quote, post a stimulating article, and Instagram an uplifting picture. And above all, never complain about your current work conditions on social media, as this has never ended well.

7 Ways to Creatively Present Your Resume

As the unemployment rate has significantly decreased in recent years, it has not boded well for Millennials. As reported by Generation Opportunity, young adults between the ages of 18-29 are experiencing an unemployment rate of 8 percent, as compared to the more moderate 3.7 percent for Americans over 29 years old. This results in a more competitive job market. With this in mind, Millennials and job seekers alike need to present their work experience in more creative ways. Here are a few examples of unique resumes that may help you land the job.
 

1. Print it on a shirt. 

Always on the go and looking to go green? Then print your experience on a t-shirt. Your resume can be permanently on your back and on display for all to see.  

Suggested for: Everyone
 

2. Make a video. 

This is the best way to get your personality across to your potential employers. Make sure that it is precise and clear but shows your determination and creativity. It is easy to find examples for inspiration online, so be ready to show your smile and professionalism.

Suggested for: Filmmakers, Actors, and Customer Service Professionals
 

3. Make a Vine. 

For the brave, you can even try to sell yourself in six seconds by making a Vine video. This is useful when buzzwords become an integral part of the application. Quick and precise, it takes the video resume to the next level.

Suggested for: Musicians, Radio Personalities, and Journalists
 

4. Create an online portfolio. 

Skip carrying the heavy portfolio book and present everything digitally. This can be done through website hosts that allow you to display your best projects online. By doing so, you cannot only curate your own work but describe the creative process along the way.

Suggested for: Graphic Designers, Photographers, and Artists
 

5. Design an interactive resume. 

Engaging your future employer is key and by creating a resume that is interactive you are able to show your skills through application. Such examples of this can include making a game out of your experience or mocking your favorite sales site to sale yourself.

Suggested for: Designers and Programmers
 

6. Create an infographic. 

Infographics take text and numbers to create a visual display of data. By making an infographic resume, you are able to create a visual story of your past experiences. This is useful when you want to grab the attention of an HR manager who has just sifted through hundreds of applications. Using the images to engage the recipient, you are able to present the main points in an effective manner.

Suggested for: Statisticians and Researchers
 

7. Package it. 

Send your future employers a small care package with your resume covering the box. Take this a step further and include something inside the packaging—like chocolates. This will connect your awesome cooking skills to your brand and will surely impress any sweet tooth.

Suggested for: Chefs, Advertising Professionals, and Product Designers

Lord Protectors Playing It Safe

Photo Credit: Lars Baron/FIFA/Getty Images

The goalkeeping at the 2014 World Cup has been of the highest order. Thankfully there have been plenty of goals in Brazil, however we would have had many more but for the agility and professionalism of the men between the sticks.

Some great goalkeepers, such as Thibaut Courtois (Belgium) and Manuel Neuer (Germany), were already world-renowned coming in the event, and have added to their reputation. However others have used this world stage to make their name. And perhaps to get themselves summer transfers to bigger and better-paying clubs than they now play for.

Here we pick our ‘Magnificent Seven’ of the goalkeepers at this World Cup.

Tim Howard

Photo Credit: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Mancheser United (2003-07): 77 apps

Everton (2006-): 347 apps

United States (2002-): 103 caps

After four years at Old Trafford, the American keeper left when they signed Edwin van der Sar, thus pushing the stopper out of the starting XI. In the hopes of more playing time, the American moved to Everton, where he set the club record for most clean sheets in a season in 2008-09. Howard is now making headlines for his heroic display at the 2014 World Cup—making his mark with an 82.4 percent save rate, according to FIFA’s stats.

Guillermo Ochoa

Club América (2004-11): 211 apps

Ajaccio (2011-): 112 apps

Mexico (2005-): 63 caps

After a misinterpreted doping suspension prevented ‘Memo’ from signing for Paris Saint-Germain, the Mexican keeper signed with a different French club, Ajaccio, in the hope of playing in Europe. In his second season for the club, he single-handedly save the French side from relegation in Ligue 1 and continues to be a huge asset for the team. After his 2014 World Cup performance, with a 76.9 percent save rate, the now out-of-contract keeper has his pick of clubs to sign for.

Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea (2011-): 0 apps

Atletico Madrid (2011-14) [loan from Chelsea]: 111 apps

Belgium (2011-): 21 caps

Having signed for Chelsea in 2011, the Belgian No. 1 went directly on loan to Atletico Madrid only weeks after joining the London club. However, after winning the Ricardo Zamora Trophy—with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in the league—in back-to-back-seasons, and a La Liga medal this season, Chelsea have sense and Courtois is on his way back to Stamford Bridge this season.

Julio Cesar

Photo Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images South America

QPR (2012-): 24 apps

Toronto FC (2014-) [loan]: 7 apps

Brazil (2004-): 85 caps

Stealing the plaudits after his display in Brazil’s penalty shootout win over Chile, Cesar is currently on-loan at Toronto FC of the MLS. After signing for QPR in the Premier League, Cesar could not halt their dismal slide towards the Championship. His move to Toronto was designed to keep him in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil plans. It worked.

Sergio Romero

AZ Alkmaar (2007-11): 90 apps

Sampdoria (2011-): 61 apps

Argentina (2009-): 51 caps

An unlikely hero of Argentina’s World Cup journey, Romero has prospered at this tournament in spite of playing just three times for Monaco last season while there on loan. Glories in the nickname of ‘Tiny’ even though he is 6’ 4”. Apparently his basketball-playing older brothers were taller than him as kids, hence the moniker.

Hugo Lloris

Nice (2005-08): 72 apps

Lyon (2008-12): 146 apps

Spurs (2012-): 64 apps

France (2008-): 62 caps

Lloris was a fine goalkeeper for the excellent Lyon team that had a few good runs in the Champions League during his time there. His move to North London didn’t work out initially, with Brad Friedel often chosen ahead of him. But now Lloris is established as the Spurs No. 1 and many consider the Frenchman to be the best keeper in the Premier League.

Manuel Neuer

FC Schalke (2006-11): 156 apps

Bayern Munich (2011-): 95 apps

Germany (2009-): 50 caps

Manchester United tried very hard to get Neuer to move to England when left Schalke in 2011, but they couldn’t persuade him to join them instead of Bayern—the Red Devils instead purchasing Spain’s David de Gea. For a long touted as the best young goalkeeping in the world, the giant German is now moving to the stage where the word ‘young’ can be dropped.

Stopper Who Saved Their Careers . . .

Several goalkeepers have had their hearts broken when they were let go by their sides—only to go on and excel at other clubs. Here are three recent ‘back-from-the-brink’ No. 1s:

Shay Given

Celtic (1991-94): Youth Career

Newcastle United (1997-2009): 354 apps

Ireland (1996-): 125 caps

The Irish keeper played for the Celtic Boys Club, never reaching it to the Scottish Premiership. He joined Blackburn Rovers at the age of 18. Three years later, he flourished under the management of Newcastle United, being named in the PFA Team of the Year in 2002. He is best known for his time on the Irish National Team with 55 clean sheets.

Ben Foster

Manchester United (2005-2010): 12 apps

West Bromwich Albion (2011-): 91 apps

England (2007-): 8 caps

After Alex Fergerson’s proclamation that Foster would be “England’s goalkeeper for the next 10 years,” the keeper left the club after failing to win the No. 1 sport from the illustrious Edwin van der Sar. He went on to play for West Bromwich Alboin, maintain 10 clean sheets in the 2011-2012 season. He played for England in the World Cup against Costa Rica.

Chris Kirkland

Liverpool (2001-2006): 25 apps

Wigan Athletic (2006-2012): 131 apps

England (2006): 1 cap

During his time at Liverpool, he served as an understudy to first-choice goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, however his time at the club was limited after sustaining multiple injuries that benched him for most seasons. He received a spell of luck when he was loaned to Wigan, and remained a permanent fixture, winning club's Player's Player of the Year award in 2008.

Gorgeous gangster is offered modeling contract

The gorgeous gangster, Jeremy Meeks, has been offered a $30,000 modeling contract.

The good looking gang-banger whose mugshot went viral a month ago, has been offered a $30,000 modelling contract.

According to TMZ, Jeremy Meeks is being sought out by California-based modelling agency, Blaze Modelz.

The company believes that they can book him jobs with high-end fashion houses-such as Versace and Armani.

The agency remarked that “gangster models” are fashionable right now and his gangland tattoos increase his popularity because they are “sexy and edgy”.

Meek’s agent, Gina Rodriguez, is trying to secure multiple contracts that could possibly land him modeling gigs, as well as a reality television show in an effort to “change his life” and “inspire others”.

If Rodriguez successfully secures gigs for Meeks, he can effectively change his life after incarceration.

Meek’s bail is currently set at $1.1 million and is accused of 11 felony crimes.

His court date is set for July 8th and if he is found guilty of ‘street terrorism’ (or gang activity), he could be imprisoned from 2 to 10 years.

A spokesman for the local police department says that Meeks is “one of the most violent criminals in the area.”

However, every woman likes a bad boy and so far his mugshot has been ‘liked’ by more than 100,000 people, shared over 12,800 times, and has 26,500 comments.

The Mad, Mad, Mad World of Soccer

Photo Credit: Reuters

While many believe that Luis Suarez should have to wear a muzzle when he ends his four-month FIFA ban, he is only the latest in a series of soccer stars that have been shown to have a crazy streak in them.

Step forward Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Mario Balotelli, Paul Gascoigne, Diego Maradona and George Best as further examples of the mad, mad world of the football superstar.

When the red mist descends, when the moon is full or simply when the Guinness is flowing too freely, stand by for fireworks, kung-fu kicks and assault charges.

Photo Credit: Action Images

Eric Cantona remains one of the most famous examples of someone who just lost his mind. The Frenchman, launched himself into a famous kung-fu kick at a man in the crowd who had insulted him. He was later gave a bizarre statement about seagulls following trawlers, that very weird thoughts can inhabit the mind of even the best and most famous of footballers.

Paul Gascoigne was a genius on the pitch but sadly for him his mental problems, as well as his drinking and drug addiction, made him a pathetic figure. He suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as from bulimia. He was also bipolar, an obsessive gambler and admitted to beating his wife. In 2008 he was sectioned following a suspected suicide.

Roy Keane always had a dark side and claimed revenge on Norwegian footballer Alf-Inge Haaland with a crippling tackle. He never forgave Haaland for a clash between them in 1997, when the Leeds player accused him of faking injury during a game. In fact, Keane had ruptured his knee. The memory of that day festered in Keane’s mind for a long time until the day that he came across Haaland, now a Manchester City player in April, 2001—when he decided the moment of retribution had come. As he later wrote: “I’d waited long enough. I f****** hit him hard. The ball was there (I think). Take that you c***. And don’t ever stand over me sneering about fake injuries.”

Mario Balotelli is nothing like as scary as Keano or as ill as Gascoigne, but that’s not to say he is not right in the head. He later needed the help of the fire brigade after setting fireworks in his Manchester pad.

George Best practically invented the role of the soccer star as drunken womanizer. As he famously said: “I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars—the rest I just squandered”.

Diego Maradona was found guilty of assault with weapon after injuring four reporters outside his Argentine home in 1994. He was later given a suspended jail sentence of two years and 10 months and later had to pay $15,300 to a wounded journalist.

Other Sports Madmen

Soccer does not exclusively hold the rights to sporting madness.

Mike Tyson, for instance, can even put the cannibal tendencies of Luis Suarez to shame. In what must surely still be the best famous sports bite of them all, he took a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s right ear during the third round of their heavyweight fight in 1997 in Las Vegas. He was also convicted of rape and once said of a rival: “I wanna eat his children”.

Dennis Rodman didn’t just play basketball. He also dressed up as a gypsy woman, wore a wedding dress promote his book Bad as I Wanna Be, had tattoos and piercings and would kick the odd cameraman around. There was also an aborted suicide attempt.

Ice-skater Tonya Harding paid a hit-man $6,500 to take down her top competitor Nancy Kerrigan in 1994. Although it was not a bone-breaking hit, Kerrigan was forced to pull out of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, successfully securing Harding’s place on the Olympic team.

Tiger Woods turned out to be really a swinger of different kind. His madness was in believing he could keep his sex secret under the covers. When his wife found out she attacked him with a seven iron.

O.J. Simpson also had it all. As an NFL great he was one of the most famous in world sport. I also turns out he was also nuts. After a long trial he was found not quilty of the murders of his wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, but he was then convicted of numerous felonies including armed robbery and kidnapping. He will be residing in jail for most of the next 30 years. 

Selfie donation campaign raises €350,000 for Gavin in just one week

Diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, four-year-old Gavin Glynn this week finally made his way to the U.S. in hopes of receiving a life-saving treatment.

Gavin waits to board the plane to take him to the U.S (Photo Credit: The Gavin Flynn Foundation Facebook Page)

At the young age of 17 months, Gavin had developed signs of Rhabdomyosarcoma (commonly known as RMS), a rare cancerous tumor that effects the muscles. 

By the time he was 4, he was unable to undergo further treatment within Ireland as no other options existed. Therefore, his parents had to look abroad, eventually finding a new procedure that has been introduced at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. 

Now after a successful donation campaign, Gavin has landed in Texas to receive the HIPEC procedure - hopefully removing his tumors permanently. 

However, Team Gavin Glynn needed to raise €350,000 to cover the medical costs of the life-saving procedure. So in hopes of promoting the cause and raising some much needed funds, Team Gavin Glynn encouraged parents to take selfies with their sons, while including the hashtag #MyBoy, along with sending a €4 donation via text message.

Photo Credit: The Gavin Flynn Foundation Facebook Page