*[1]:Quote from the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
|
|
Jim BeaverThe John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) was, as its name implies, created to honor the famous John Wayne who died of stomach cancer. This foundation strives to continue Wayne’s passion of helping others combat this horrendous disease. JWCF established the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center located in Santa Monica, California. The research that has taken place in this instituted has led to groundbreaking achievements for procedures and treatments for cancer. JWCF also funds a youth prevention program called Block the Blaze. JWCF aims to raise funds and awareness through different programs: #ShowYourGrit, Team John Wayne, and Join John Wayne. Jim Beaver wholeheartedly supports this foundation. He became involved with JWCF because his wife Cecily lost her battle against cancer.
#SHOWYOURGRIT |
Here is a brief summary of what happened.
In 2013 at the Supernatural Toronto Convention Rob Benedict suffered a stroke during autographs. He said that a woman asked him a question about his wedding and he suddenly couldn’t speak. He did not know what was going on. He now jokingly says that when people would ask him a question he would just hug them because that was all he could do. He didn’t want to stop his autographs so as he was finishing up the other actors invited Rob to go out and have dinner with them. Because Rob couldn’t speak it was obvious to Richard, Rob’s best friend, that something was wrong. Misha then came over to the two of them and helped Richard realize that something was incredibly wrong and that Rob needed to go to the hospital. Once there they realized that Rob's carotid artery had split, causing a blood clot in his brain which lead to aphasia. The doctors gave him a clot busting shot in the emergency room. That night once cast members realized how serious the situation was Misha, Jensen, and Richard stayed in the ER with Rob all night. Then proceeded to help fly his loved ones up to Toronto so that they could be with him. He spent the next 10 days in the hospital in Canada and took off the rest of the year to focus on speech therapy. Within 6 months Rob was playing guitar, singing, and walking, all things the doctors said he might not be able to do again. Every time that Rob, Rich, or Misha talk about the incident it brings tears to their eyes. Rob has made a remarkable recovery and supports this association, so that others may receive the help they need to recover, too. |
|
Richard Speight Jr.Disabled Veterans of America (DAV) is a non-profit charity that aims to provide support for the proud veterans of our nations and their beloved families. The organization provides free, professional help to veterans and families for obtaining the government benefits and services earned through military service. They also organize program outreach, representation for the interests of disabled veterans and families, volunteer programs through which disabled veterans can show their compassion for their fellow comrades, and spread hope. Richard Speight Jr. is a strong and dedicated supporter of the Disabled Veterans charity organization.
|
Ruth ConnellMy Hope Chest is the only national non-profit organization that focuses on reconstructive surgery for uninsured or under-insured breast cancer survivors. Their mission is to provide much needed closure to survivors. In providing this service, My Hope Chest helps all patients who desire reconstruction to have it and giving them hope and allow them to achieve some level of normalcy after their ordeal. This organization strives to provide this through facilitation and funding as needed. Their program they have created serves to provide reconstructive surgeries as soon as possible after mastectomy, educate cancer survivors on what reconstruction option are available to them, raise public awareness on the need for reconstruction for under-funded survivors as a missing link to recovery, educate women about their diagnosis and what to expect, and connect patients with others for support. Ruth Connell is a very strong and adamant supporter of this charity.
|
Kim RhodesThe Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization that works toward the advance of the disability rights for people afflicted with autism. ASAN was created by and for autistic Americans as a disability rights organization. They provide a voice for all autistic people to be heard and seek systems change. ASAN provides education for communities, supports self-advocacy, and strives to improve public perceptions of autism. They provide information about autism, disability rights, and systems change to the public through a multitude of educational, cultural, and advocacy projects. ASAN believes that autistic people should have the same rights and opportunities as all other Americans. They have a goal of empowering the autistic community by providing them with a voice among the masses. Kim Rhodes is a support of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network because her daughter Tabitha has autism. “Nothing About Us, Without Us!” -Kim Rhodes
|
Rachel MinerThe National MS Society is an organization founded with the intent of combating multiple sclerosis. The Society has a goal of providing patients with effective treatment choices and solutions to the challenges of living with this disease. They push to expand funding and worldwide collaboration to accelerate research. They also work towards expanding resources to ensure access to healthcare. The Society also provides people with connection to others afflicted with MS to share support and solutions. This organization also wishes to provide patients with the information and resources they need to combat MS and make fully informed decisions. The Society strives to mobilize individuals and organizations to generate the resources to accelerate progress and maximize the impact of their work. Rachel Miner, the Supernatural actor who portrayed Meg Masters, suffers from multiple sclerosis and was battling this disease while filming for the show and still continues to battle it. She supports this organization and many others.
|
Gil McKinneyAttitudes In Reverse (AIR) is an organization focused on combating mental illness and dissolving the stigma that surrounds it. This organization, liken to AKF, has a mission of educating society about mental health. “Mental illness is like air. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It is all around us.” [2] They want all to know about the necessity of mental health awareness in suicide prevention. AIR believes that all people should be treated the same and respected no matter what illness they have. Gil Mckinney is a big supporter of Attitudes In Reverse, especially their AIR Dog program. This program provides trained support dogs for those who suffer from mental illnesses. Jared and Jensen also support this organization.
*[2]: Quote from the website Attitudes in Reverse history page |
Matt CohenMany of the Spn family has seen the inspirational quotes that Matt Cohen posts on his Instagram and Twitter accounts with the #you, but many do not know why Matt Cohen started this positivity campaign. Matt originally started the #you campaign as positive motivation for himself. He would post quotes to #you as his way of self motivation and self happiness but it has turned into so much more. Matt’s #you campaign has helped with the happiness of many fans in the Spn fandom. Matt acknowledges this and says that much of his strength and positivity comes from the joy he has from helping the fans with #you.
|
Felicia DayStomp Out Bullying one of the leading national anti-bully and cyber bullying organizations for youth in the U.S. This organization focuses on reducing and stopping bullying, specifically cyber bullying, and other forms of online abuse and harm, among other things. They want to raise awareness and educate kids and teens, their parents, and even schools about this growing issue. This program provides hope for victims of these harmful actions and teaches parents and teachers to learn the warnings signs and most importantly communicate with their children and students. As the popularity of the internet rises, so does the amassing hate. Felicia Day is an strong advocate of Stomp Out Bullying. Felicia, as many of you many know, does quite a bit of online gaming and combine with the fact that she is famous more than likely has received multitudes of online hate and understands what others have experienced. She believes that people should work to combat this growing problem.
|
"Your weirdnesses are your super power." -- Felicia
|
* Except for the heading photo I do not own any of the photos on this page.