Stories of Hope

Meet April Macak and her son Nathan. Nathan is a very active, energetic, and loving 8-year-old boy who loves to play basketball with his cousins every chance he gets. His mom April talks with us about the importance of blood donations, you see without blood donations Nathan wouldn’t be here. Nathan has a rare blood genetic disorder requiring him to have monthly blood transfusions for the rest of his life. April is an active mother and a spoke person for Vitalant, about the importance of your blood donations and how it truly saves lives. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group Your global creative agency, based in downtown Chandler, Arizona

Meet Mia Johnson, she openly shares the details and journey of her life having been born to a drug-addicted and alcoholic mother, placed in foster care with her brother at 1 1/2 yrs old, lived in numerous foster homes, sexually abused by her brother and her brother-in-law, became a juvenile delinquent, running away, did drugs, homeless at 16 and was looking for love in all the wrong places, until one day she decided to go to Job Corp and change her life. Her story is one of resilience overcoming the hardships and the hand dealt to her by turning her pain into power!

Let’s talk mental health. With so many things that have changed in our society in the past couple of years, we need to talk about it and help individuals, parents, and our communities. Meet Dr. Paula McCall the founder of the Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Semicolon Society. Mission: Semicolon Society provides free mental health education and events to the community, with an emphasis on. Suicide prevention and support. https://semicolonsociety.org/

Early morning in December 2018, Julie’s mom Darleen, was in a house fire that burned 83% of her body with 2nd & 3rd-degree burns. Unfortunately, after 106 days and 24 surgeries later, Darleen unfortunately passed away due to a blood infection on March 31st, 2019. Julie found a way to help people who have been changed by the fire with her organization. Not just the survivors but the caregivers too. Her programs include assistance with mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image struggles, insomnia, and so much more. www.ChangedByFire.org Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Arizona

Meet Scott Stowers, he is a member of the Board of Directors with Arizona Adaptive Water Sports an Arizona 501(c)(3), as well as the volunteer coordinator and has been volunteering with AZ Adaptive Water Sports for 19 years. Vision: For anyone with a disability to have access to get on the water and embrace the freedom and adventures that await. A Faith-based organization that serves in the healing ministry of Christ. Studio: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Az. AzAdaptiveWaterSports.org

Imagine being told your son has a 10% chance of survival and if he does he will never function on his own. Meet Daniel Fulton and his mom Kathy Fulton. Daniel is a TBI survivor and his mother is his caregiver. Daniel survived a tragic impact when he hit a tree on his snowboard. His journey to recovery was long and not easy. He was in a coma for a month and a half, in hospital for 3 months, and many days in therapy to learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and function again. Living life to the fullest and with determination. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, AZ

"Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24". Meet Francine, she is the founder of an Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit that is more than a resource for mental illness. Francine is an advocate and a voice for all walks of life, because of the legacy she carries on through her son Zack. Francine’s life suddenly changed when her son Zack was misdiagnosed and unfortunately passed away at the age of 16. His kind heart, entrepreneurial mindset, and love for animals and people keep Francine’s heart comforted as she helps others who struggle with mental illness. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, AZ

Meet Erin Powell, she is a survivor of 6 spinal tumors, and a brain tumor and has lost over 125 pounds. Her journey leads her down a dark path of depression and overeating getting to the weight of 298 pounds. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group Your global creative agency is based in downtown Chandler, AZ.

DAVID’S ROCKS Random Acts of Kindness Meet Jodi Walton, tragically she lost her son David on July 25th, 2019 while working for the DOT in Horry S.C. David was filling a pothole with his coworker when a box truck came through unable to stop, hitting the stopped cars, injuring several, and unfortunately killing Jodi’s son and his coworker. Jodi found therapy and healing by painting rocks with messages and words of love, hope, and designs of comfort. Today her rocks are found all over the globe because people have placed her rocks of comfort and healing along their travels. She also recently teamed up with the Ronald McDonald House Charites providing hope rocks to families.

Meet, Jax and her mother Angel Vargas Fuchs, (Girl With a Curve). The journey of living with Scoliosis Jax is a very active, positive, and outgoing 10-year-old, a passionate performer, dancer, community actress, and award-winning vocalist. The day before Thanksgiving 2022, Jax was officially diagnosed with Scoliosis. Follow Jax’s journey on Instagram: @girl_with_a_curve