Tag Archives: inspire

Terminally ill teen dedicates final months to anti-bullying cause Give a Child a Voice

Eric Erdman, 19, has been battling an aggressive rare form of brain cancer – Anaplastic Grade III Ependymoma for three years. The terminally ill teen has only a few months left to live and he’s spending that time giving back to others with his organization Give a Child a Voice. The foundation aims to help put an end to child abuse, bullying, as well as life-threatening childhood illnesses.

By: Heather Newgen @hnvoluntourist

Since learning of his condition at just 16-years-old, Eric Erdman immediately jumped into action to help others. He created the T.E.K Foundation CC Inc., operating as Give a Child a Voice, which shows children how powerful and important their voices can be.

“The cause is important to me because for me being silent I learned was much more painful than breaking the silence. When I broke my silence a better version of me surfaced. It would mean the world if more kids could break the silence to stop suffering in silence,” he told The Voluntourist.

“I was inspired to create the Give a Child a Voice movement from the pain I experienced first hand in my life. The fact that I can truly say I am no longer a victim anymore of child abuse, bullying, and even my terminal illness. The moment I spoke out I no longer was a victim. It is my mission to help more kids not be a victim anymore,” he added.

One of the most rewarding things for Erdman to see is the positive impact Give a Child a Voice is having.

“The impact on kids so far has been absolutely incredible, so many kids reach out daily and share their stories. Some searching for additional assistance which is why we are also searching for more organizations to partner with so we may get kids the help they need,” he shared.

Erdman is now is hospice, but is still fighting for his cause. He is seeking the next school (so far he has helped two) to be the recipients of a gym transformation with the impending months he has left through his “Give a Child a Voice Fitness Center Give-A-Way.” The foundation is launching their gym transformation contest at the recent NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Race in Miami where his aunt famed race car driver Angela Ruch paid tribute to Erdman.

“I’m racing for Eric at the Ford EcoBoost 200 because it takes a village to construct a gym, and our goal is to raise $300,000 to help Eric continue to make an impact in more children’s lives. To transform another gym with the final months Eric has remaining, along with many more gyms to come, I can’t think of a more
worthy cause,” Ruch stated.

Eric and his brother Tylor designed the wrap for her truck, which featured Give a Child a Voice to commemorate his efforts in paying it forward.

Give a Child a Voice

“To know Eric has spent time with his brother designing this wrap for the final race of the year has so much meaning to me. I’m racing for a great cause as we need to help all children find their voices, Ruch said.

She continued, “Eric was bullied and abused as a child and was a timid kid growing up. He found himself spending time in the gym to help clear his mind, and grow confidence within himself. That’s when he decided to start his own foundation, Give A Child A Voice. Now Eric has purpose which has driven him to start building gyms across the US to help other kids, like it helped him.”

Erdman has always believed in viewing life as if we are all books, waiting to be written. Although he won’t be able to write as many chapters as other people, he continues to work hard to ensure that the chapters he is writing are meaningful.” We are the authors of our stories – not our abusers, not our bullies, and not our life-threatening illnesses. When we break the silence, we take back control,” he said.

To learn more about Give a Child a Voice visit https://www.giveachildavoice.us/.

November 21, 2019 admin

Patricia Heaton on supporting mobile clinic Claris Health

Patricia Heaton steps out to support Claris Health–an organization dedicated to providing free and low cost healthcare to people in need.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Patricia Heaton has taken center stage as one of America’s favorite TV moms for the last couple of decades starring on hits “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Middle.” The Emmy-winning actress is now the lead on the new CBS sitcom “Carol’s Second Act” where she plays a divorcee in her fifties who begins a new career. While the veteran actress remains one of the most in demand people in Hollywood, she still finds time to give back.

Heaton recently attended the Claris Health City Lights Gala, which raised over $200,000. The organization has created a custom mobile unit vehicle that will visit 27 sites monthly throughout Los Angeles County. The areas the mobile clinic will be visiting are known for limited access to health care and a high mistrust of the medical community. The first stop will be in Compton on Oct. 27 at Shields for Families.

“I’ve been a supporter of Claris Health for many years and love their unique approach to care,” Patricia Heaton said. “They provide compassionate, non-judgemental support to women and families in need. This mobile clinic will go the extra mile reaching those who lack access to healthcare and need to know they are not alone.”

Claris Health’s mission is to equip and care for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. Patients who come to Claris are provided with information regarding pregnancy options and ongoing support through direct services and a network of over 190 committed community partners. Free and low-cost services include medical care, education, support, and community resources. Claris continues to expand its scope of services while implementing innovative, evidence-based programs that respond to overall individual and community health needs.

“Shields for Families is very excited for the mobile unit… healthcare is an important part of our treatment model, and we work diligently to incorporate health into all elements of treatment. The mobile unit will allow direct access to health care, and allow us to assist all of our families with developing skills to ensure health care and routine check-ups become a regular practice in their lives. We look forward to our continued partnership, and seeing all of our families take advantage of this amazing opportunity!” – Danielle Lowe, Youth Services Director, Shields for Families stated.

In the last year, 1,700 patients have been seen and Claris Health has served over 7,000 men, women & teens throughout Los Angeles with their services.

About Claris Health:

Claris Health is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 organization that educates and supports women and men facing an unintended pregnancy or other sexual health issues. Claris Health’s story began over 40 years ago when a small group of women were inspired to start an organization that offered life-changing services to women, men, and families. Their mission from the start has been to equip and care for individuals and their families, before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. The organization provides free or low cost medical, support, therapy, parenting and educational services to women, men and families with children under the age of five.

October 31, 2019 admin

Real Life “Dirty John” Survivor Terra Newell Shares Tips on Surviving a Knife Attack

Terra Newell killed her mom’s husband in self-defense, stabbing him 13 times while her dog Cash bit his ankles trying to protect her. Now she’s sharing her tips on how she survived.

By: Heather Newgen

Three years ago John Meehan, known as “Dirty John,” was killed by his stepdaughter Terra Newell after he attacked her at knifepoint. His long history of scamming and abusing women was documented in the Los Angeles Times and later in a Bravo series and podcast of the same name.

In an exclusive interview for The Voluntourist, Terra Newell talks about her terrifying experience and gives tips on how to fight back in a knife attack that might help save your life.

Terra Newell with her dogs PHOTO COURTESY NIKKI RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

“Do you remember me,” Meehan said as he grabbed her from behind and tried to force Terra Newell into the trunk of his car.

“John didn’t want to look me in the eyes. He didn’t want to engage in conservation with me. I wasn’t beneficial to him so he needed to get rid of me,” she revealed.

And that’s exactly what he tried to do. Meehan waited for Terra Newell at her apartment building in Newport Beach, Calif. After she parked her car and opened the door to let her dog Cash out, she was blindsided and had to fight for her life.

“I don’t realize that he was stabbing me at first because the knife is in a Del Taco bag,” she explained. “So I think he’s punching me and he keeps on trying to grab me, put his hand over my mouth. I bite as hard as I can. And I just keep trying to get away from him,” she told The Voluntourist.

“The knife lands into an ice pick position,” she said. “I picked it up and I just start wailing back on him. And then he falls on top of me. “My dog’s attacking his ankles at this point too,” she said.

“I’m pushing him off on me but I’m holding his head because I don’t want him to bite me,” Newell recalled. “And so I push him off of me with holding his head … I thought I don’t want him to wake up and just try to hurt me again because I think he’ll try to kill me again.”

Newell stabbed her assailant 13 times and used skills she learned from her favorite show “The Walking Dead” to fight back. “The last one was in the eye because that’s the softest point of entry so I wanted to kill his brain for like a zombie, essentially,” she stated.

Although residents from her building watched the attack happen, they didn’t intervene because according to Newell, “they thought I was going to be dead either way and so they didn’t do anything. Other people didn’t want to approach someone with a knife.”

But, some did call 911. Once paramedics finally arrived, Newell was screaming for them to get away because she didn’t know if he was dead and she didn’t want him to try to kill them as well.

Four days later Meehan was pronounced dead and the nightmare her family had been living was finally over.

Terra Newell is still dealing with PTSD, but is trying to help others see the red flags and warning signs of someone like John Meehan. She’s also sharing her tips on what to do if you are attacked.

1. Run.

The first thing I did in my attack was John tried to grab me and I tried to flee from him right away because you have the most success rate of trying to run away from them.

2. Fight.

When you’re unable to run you’re going to do everything you can in your power to fight back. Right when you get grabbed immediately screaming. I was unable to disconnect and he tried to cover my mouth, bite as hard as you can. Never let them fully cover your mouth because you won’t be able to scream for help. I bit him and I don’t think he tried to cover my mouth after that because I bit him really hard. He started punching me and my automatic response was to hold my arm and purse up to my chest.

That’s one thing that really saved me because instead of getting stabbed in my chest, I got stabbed in my arm.[During the fight] I ended up on the floor, which was a really good scenario for me. When you’re on the ground it’s important to use all of your legs because they have the most power in your body.

3. Kick.

You’re going to kick and pedal kick as hard as you can. I actually had someone message me and told me they did this the other day and got out of an attack, so using your legs is really important and key. If they have a knife, control it in the fight. If they’re coming down on you, you want to kick their forearm. You have more of a chance of making them let go of the knife because there’s a lot of nerves in the forearm. It’s the best spot to kick because you don’t want to kick the knife or the upper arm.

4. Bite.

When I bit John that’s when he dropped the knife. You want to pick up the knife as quickly as you can and start throwing back at them. Everything happens in a matter of seconds in a fight. Don’t even think about not grabbing the knife. Grab it right away. A lot of attackers don’t think you’re going to fight back. So you have the element of surprise and in their mind they’re confused for a second, which you can use to your advantage.Stab them in the head. You can kill their brain even if you don’t kill them. You will make them brain damaged and they won’t be able to think to get up and fight back.

5. Throw the weapon.

Toss the knife as far away from the body and then get away and start screaming for help. Watching “The Walking Dead”, “Dexter” and true crime shows. I remembered to hold the knife tightly because of an episode of Dexter. I didn’t want to cut myself the way a character on the show did by not holding the knife tight enough. Also you don’t want to cut yourself because you don’t want to get your attacker’s blood in your wound.

“I think he was going to kill me no matter what. I think he was going to try to stick me in his trunk and get a ransom payment then bury me in the backyard of the Vegas house. He sent some emails to a lawyer saying that he was going to bury my mom there or her kids, Terra Newell revealed. “He was going to for sure kill us. He was either unable to get to my sister the night before or because I think my mom’s favorite sometimes. I’m the baby of the family. I’m also like my mom in some ways so I feel like it was going to be the best sting to her. At first we were all in shock.”

It’s been over three years since the attack and Terra Newell is now in therapy once a week to manage her PTSD, gives back as often as she can to others experiencing domestic abuse and enjoys spending time with her family who she says “are closer than ever.”

To learn more about Terra check out her podcast Time Out With Terra.

October 29, 2019 admin

Local Volunteer Shares How We Can Help the Cancer Support Community

Looking for an impactful way to give back locally? The Cancer Support Community helps people face the challenges of cancer and always needs volunteers.

By: Kaylie Defilippis

Cancer is likely something we will encounter at some point in our life. Whether it’s someone we know, or something we will struggle with ourselves, the disease has the ability to affect us all. But there are organizations to help cancer patients and their families like the Cancer Support Community (CSC) that offers free programs to those in need. Laurie Peterson, a volunteer and board member from the Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter, spoke with The Voluntourist about how to get involved.

The Voluntourist: Can you tell us a little bit about what Cancer Support Community is and how they help those fighting cancer as well as cancer survivors?

Peterson: Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara is located in Westlake Village, CA. Our mission is to ensure that adults and children impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and supported
by community. We offer support groups led by licensed facilitators, educational sessions, and health and wellness programs. Our programs are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children. Our emotional support and educational programs are designed to address the loss of control, hopelessness, and social isolation that cancer patients
and their families often experience. We also have Kids and Teens Circle. One of our kids said it best, “Kids Circle has really helped me get through my Dad’s cancer. In fact, Kids Circle is the only place, except for home, that I feel comfortable talking about cancer.” In addition to our support groups and education, we offer monthly workshops and seminars, as well as fun activities like yoga, Zumba, and a walking group.

The Voluntourist: What made you want to begin volunteering with CSC?

Peterson: One of my closest friends, Gail, was diagnosed at age 39 with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her prognosis was very grim. She started attending support groups at the Cancer Support Community and she told me, “This place is saving my life”. While the doctors treated her disease, CSC was treating her soul by giving her hope. Gail often said, “People here are like me and they understand me. We laugh, we cry and we laugh some more”. I told Gail that I would start volunteering in her honor and I never looked back. Gail’s miraculous recovery gave me the incentive to start volunteering and it has truly become my passion. After years of volunteering, I have also joined the Board of Directors, a caring, diverse group of people who really care about this community and our participants.

The Voluntourist: How is the Cancer Support Community able to cover costs so that patients do not have to? Is it run completely on donations, etc.?

Peterson: All of our programs are provided FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals who believe in our mission. We rely on our donor community to keep our programs going. We receive no other funding.

The Voluntourist: How can people get involved with their local branches? What is the first step?

Peterson: It’s easy! Call your local Cancer Support Community and join the volunteer list.

The Voluntourist: What is required of CSC volunteers? Do they have to dedicate a certain amount of time a week or can they pick and choose which events to volunteer at?

Peterson: There are so many ways to get involved. We have volunteers that help in our office four or five hours a week and others who want to help run our fundraising events. We appreciate all the time, treasures and talents that our wonderful volunteers provide. We couldn’t do it without them.

The Voluntourist: If someone wants to volunteer, but can’t necessarily dedicate a lot of time to the organization, how can they make a difference?

Peterson: There are many ways to help if your schedule doesn’t allow. We have wonderful donors who give money, products or services.

The Voluntourist: What do you want people to know about the Cancer Support Community? How do you want the organization to be remembered?

Peterson: This is a very special community where people find support, hope and community. Anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children are welcome. Cost should never be a barrier to hope. We provide a home-like environment where people with cancer, families, and friends can come to gather information and support. Research shows that people who receive social support, in addition to standard treatment, can have longer, less stressful lives than those without a core, supportive community. I believe our mission statement says it all…”we exist so that no one faces cancer alone.”

October 11, 2019 admin

How ‘Hamilton’ Star Christopher Jackson Advocates for Autism

Christopher Jackson and his wife Veronica became advocates for autism and serve on the National Board of KultureCity, a nonprofit that helps provide sensory-inclusive rooms and support for families and individuals, following their son’s autism diagnosis in 2007.

By: Heather Newgen

Christopher Jackson is doing his part to ensure autistic people can enjoy a live stage show, which can oftentimes be a struggle for people on the spectrum. Autistics can find it difficult to engage in social settings and Jackson is doing what he can to support the community.

“As someone in the arts, I perform in certain venues and to be able to make all of these venues sensory inclusive so that a sibling, a spouse, a relative, a friend, they can participate. You don’t have to stay hidden away and feel like they can’t join the rest of society in the way that they want to. They can have the freedom to move about and if they happen to need some help in the midst of that we’re there to do that,” he told The Voluntourist at the 30th Anniversary of PBS National Memorial Day Concert where he paid tribute to the military.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 26: Broadway and television star Christopher Jackson performs at the 2019 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 26, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.)

His son, CJ, was diagnosed with autism at an early age, and Jackson and his wife made it their mission to help others.

“I’m involved with an organization called KultureCity and what we do is we go into concert venues, arenas and we build sensory inclusive rooms for folks who need that support. Children with autism, my son is autistic, but also soldiers–veterans who have sensory issues, PTSD, who want to go out and participate in the world, but sometimes need a break. We build sensory rooms where someone can just go and decompress a little bit and still be a part of it.”

He continued, “We also create sensory bags that have noise cancellation headphones, they have fidget toys that can help desensitize a little bit so that families, people who have sensory needs can be met. We also train the staff of the venues and arenas so that when someone is in distress, you have someone there who can guide them where they need to go and offer some sort of support.”

The Tony-nominated Broadway star who originated the role of George Washington in ‘Hamilton’ is all about using his platform to bring awareness to autism.

“People need help and people need to know they are regarded and that there’s a place for them. This helps us do that.”

To see Jackson perform at the National Memorial Day Concert click here.

June 3, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Just voluntourist