Philadelphia Social Worker Invited To Speak At Democratic National Convention

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of big names will take the stage next week for the Democratic National Convention, but it's some of those newcomers to the stage who may make the biggest impact.

"I was asked if I would be willing to speak at the Democratic National Convention," Thaddeus Desmond told Eyewitness News. Desmond, 28, a Philadelphia native, is one week away from the chance of a lifetime. He'll speak in front of tens of thousands when he takes the stage Tuesday night. His name came to the attention of Democratic National Committee through his work.

"A little nervous is probably an understatement, but I think even more than nervous I'm honored and truly humbled to be able to represent myself, my family," Desmond said.

Desmond is a child advocate social worker in Philadelphia and his job isn't just a job, it's personal. He was once a foster child, and 25 years ago, his social worker Kathy Desmond fell in love with him.

"He was adorable," she said with a smile.

She's now his proud mother and says she can't wait for her son's speech.

"I feel incredibly proud of him. He could have made lots of choices in his life and he chose to do the work that I've always done," she said.

Desmond told Eyewitness News he wants to write his own speech to make sure it's from the heart. He'll spend the next few days crafting the speech and most of the weekend delivering it out loud. He'll use his personal memories as a foster child.