Draeyk van der Hørn from London created a project in Landmark Education’s SELP called My Liver Loves Me as part of the Self-Expression and Leadership Programme he took at Landmark Education. Draeyk is raising awareness aboutliver disease and the project includes a booklet based on “10 GREAT PLACES TO TAKE YOUR LIVER”, a ”WOW My Liver Loves Me ” T-shirt and an event to include a liver spa, and activities that promote liver awareness and empowerment leaving people inspired and fulfilled. He is also working to raise at least £1000 towards charities that help those with liver disease. See more at his ‘My Liver Loves Me’ website.
Health and Wellness
My Liver Loves Me
Service Dog Awareness Day
According to a variety of local newspapers in northern Virginia, Vicky Singh created an awareness day for service dogs as her project in Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program. Singh was inspired by her son Saij, who has been afflicted by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) since the age of six. Now wheelchair bound, Saij’s life has drastically improved since obtaining a qualified service dog through an organization named Canine Assistants. Vicky hopes to raise awareness about the value of service dogs, especially for children, as well as raise money through a raffle and donations for service dog organizations.
Shelter Overhaul Fights Bedbugs
Extensive reconstructions of a men’s shelter in Mesa, Arizona are being cited by the press as a model example of how to counter bedbug infestations. Scientists from the University of Arizona are teaming up with a construction company owner, Shane Orlando, who has persuaded eight companies to donate more than $20,000 to the cause. Orlando’s work appears to be his project in Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program.
According to an article at AZ Central, the work was part of a Landmark effort to gain funding to eliminate bedbug infestations at public shelters, and to increase awareness of the problem. Orlando’s partner in his efforts, Dawn Gouge (an etymologist whose efforts guided the work at the Mesa shelter), is seeking $190,000 in grants to take on the issue at other shelters.
‘Turn the Light on’ Spotlights Sex Abuse
A project created in Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program has led to a rally being held in Seattle to bring awareness about sexual abuse, according to the project website. The ‘Turn the Light On’ rally is taking place on Saturday, October 2, from 7-8pm at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in Seattle.
In addition, event organizers are requesting that people hang a string of colored lights or turn their porch lights on that night to bring attention to the idea of spotlighting abuse. According to the ‘Turn the Light On’ website, one in five children in the United States is sexually abused before they are 18 years old, and only 10% of the time is the abuser a stranger. (more…)
Caring for Dying Children in Developing Countries
Children in the developing world who suffer from terminal illnesses often spend their last days alone in poverty, misery and fear. Marie Wrinn, a nurse by training, formed the organization No Child Dies Alone to impact this situation and make sure quality hospice care is provided to children around the world. Her work initially began as a project in Landmark Education’s SELP course and evolved into what it is today.
In 2007 Wrinn heard of the work being done by an organization called Sunflower House in South Africa, and she began with a simple garage sale to support their efforts. In 2008 she visited Sunflower House to see how No Child Dies Alone could positively impact their efforts. Last year, Wrinn went to Honduras to assess conditions there at a children’s cancer clinic and hospital.
Wrinn saw how basic pedicatric hospice training could make a huge difference for caregivers, patients and family members. No Child Dies Alone is committed to delivering the tools by which caregivers can take care of children, their families and themselves.
This fall Wrinn is delivering a caregiver wellness presentation to an international audience of children’s hospice professionals at the Children’s Hospice International World Congress in Washington, DC. To find out more about No Child Dies Alone and the work they are doing, or to make a donation, visit them online at http://nochilddiesalone.org
‘Singles in the City’ Raises Over 20k for Cancer Centre
Rachel Raucci put on a singles event/cancer centre fundraiser as her project in Landmark Education’s SELP – dubbed lovecology, the event, held last November 21, raised over $20,000 for the St. Vincent’s Hospital Cancer Centre in Victoria, Australia.
The event, dubbed ‘Lovecology’ was attended by over 500 singles, according to reports. Held at the CQ Function Centre in Melbourne, the event delivered free champagne and food to attendees as well as a variety of raffled prizes donated by corporate sponsors.
The event was a dress-up affair, with a $60 ticket price. DJ’d by Mark Pellegrini and Andreas, and featured a performance by the ‘lovecology’ dancers. To find out more about St. Vincent’s foundation and the work that they do, please go to http://www.stvfoundation.com.au.