Celebrity Moms Making a Difference is this month’s topic, and although we focus on celebrities in this feature article, I’d like you to remember that every mom is featured here. To be a Mom is to be a giver of love, inspiration, and in my case, sometimes, unwanted advice. But that’s what being a mom is all about, and I tell the kids take what you like and leave the rest.
Giving is good, and it feels good too, but sometimes it takes its toll. As women and mothers, we know caretaking comes with this job, so I believe that self-care is vital to our health and well-being. Giving to others, to a cause or a foundation is transformative. Try it and see how good it feels to give and to make a difference.
Here at the Happy Herald, we are inspired by others who are reaching out to help uplift, educate and grow.
Here’s our Top Three list of mothers who are truly making a difference:
Former “Entertainment Tonight” host Leeza Gibbons founded Leeza’s Place after watching her mother suffer from Alzheimer’s. Now known as Leeza’s Care Connection, located on the campus of Memorial Hospital Pembroke, it’s a place where family caregivers go to ask questions, get answers, find resources and get support. “It is a place that teaches caregivers to take their own oxygen first, and hold onto themselves while caring for someone they love,” a staff member says. “We believe caregivers often times just need to summon their strength and call on the courage that they already have within them to get through this journey.”
The center, the only one of its kind in Broward County, offers 16 support groups and over 30 programs every month. Programs include everything from educational lectures and trainings, teaching coping strategies, self-care and wellness to Reiki Healing Energy, laughter yoga and drumming circles to reduce stress. Oneon-one family meetings are offered to help families assess and navigate resources in the community. Scrapbooking and video-making help families preserve memories. The center receives over 500 visits a month from caregivers all over Broward and Miami- Dade counties. With locations in California, Florida and Illinois, Leeza’s Care Connection is a support center for families of those dealing with the illness. For more information: www. leezascareconnection.org 1-888-OK- LEEZA
Jenny McCarthy has become one of the strongest voices for children with autism with her charitable organization Generation Rescue. The activist feels that her role as a celebrity spokesperson on the topic is a blessing. “Anytime you can do something that serves the greater good and make a difference, you should act,” the mom-of-one said. “So what I thought was a hardship in my life, I now see as a blessing, because I can reach so many people.”
McCarthy’s son Evan, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. The single mom has publicly spoken about the possible link between childhoodvaccinations and autism. She is also well known for saying that children can “recover” from autism. “My story of Evan’s recovery is not unique, there are thousands of parents before me whose shoulders I stand on today,” McCarthy said. “I’m just as active today as when Evan recovered from autism. I still travel the country lecturing on autism, am the president and board member of Generation Rescue, and actively fundraise throughout the country for the foundation. My journey now is for the other parents whose voice hasn’t been heard.” For more information : www.generationrescue.org
Mariska Hargitay of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” fame founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to help the survivors of domestic violence. “Society continues to misplace shame and blame on survivors. That has to end,” said Hargitay. “We are proud to share a groundbreaking, celebrity-driven ‘NO MORE’ PSA campaign that directly addresses the silence and inaction of Americans in addressing domestic violence and sexual assault.” The campaign involves more than 40 celebrities and public figures to engage bystanders to get involved. The threeyear PSA campaign, now in its second year, has rolled out across the country in local and national markets in print, broadcast, online and outdoor advertising, in movie theaters across the country, and in major airports and medical facilities. Since its launch in September 2013, the campaign has generated more than 1.5 billion media impressions, including an audience of 16.6 million people every week during NFL broadcasts since October 2014. “The ‘NO MORE’ campaign fills me with confidence and renewed determination.” Hargitay said. See more at: www. joyfulheartfoundation.org Here we are in the Month of May enjoying Mother’s Day and flowers and plenty of sunshine. Take care of yourself, and then do something to make a difference.
With Love, Liz