Bringing A Little Joy And Happiness To Children: Miracles Do Happen

There are no words that could explain the complex feelings that swelled in my heart yesterday causing a tireless current of various emotions that push and pull at my being.  This feeling is not new, but one that is rather familiar.  It is both sustaining and alarming.  And like most things that cause an array of emotions, the feelings that hold me are magnified because of my own personal experiences with the events of the day.

All of you know me as Peter Thomas Senese, an author and advocate of children.  But you see, many of the children I am dedicated to see me not as the adult that I try so hard not to be, but for who I am in spirit:  Peter Pan -fighter of the dragon that tries to steal life in the form of cancer or some other nasty disease.

And yesterday, was one of those  incredibly special days that my inner Peter Pan had taken flight and visited many children in the hospital who were in the midst of their own fight with the dragon.

Fighting the dragon of cancer is something I am not new to.  You see, I have had a share of cancer fights that over the years caused tumors to grow in areas of my body.  In fact, I was diagnosed with a disease long ago that had a low survival rate, and chances were that my life-span was expected to be limited because of the high mortality rate of my cancer disease. 

Well, my diagnosis of 15 years ago that included making sure I got my 'affairs' in order missed one important mark: I'm still here, extremely healthy, and a Conqueror of Cancer.  In fact, the genetic testing of the gene strain that caused my very complex form of cancer to occur . . . and keep coming back is now gone from my body.  Seriously: the dragon that ravaged my body is gone. 

And if you didn't know that I fought the dragon on numerous occasions, then chances are that you would not know of my many battles because my body is strong, my scars have healed, and by no means have I become anything less than a warrior who shares with others wisdom I have learned and gained about how to see the magic in life, and how to use this magic to fight the dragon.

I know that the time I live here on this planet really is a gift.

I know that the wisdom I gained fighting a disease that by all odds, was suppose to take my life in a cruel way, but failed, has helped many others.

I know the precious value of celebrating life and seeing the magic.

And I know that the Peter Pan in me allows me to talk to children in a way that they understand.

So on days like yesterday, my inner Peter Pan takes flight and visits children who fight the dragon.

My visits to an assortment of hospitals are incredible journeys.  I have now traveled for 13 years.  Each year I learn many new things, yet I am reminded of many of the same wonderment's that existed or were taught the year before, including most importantly that life's magic and embracing this magic is the key to happiness.

My support to find a cure for cancer has been steadfast for well over a decade.  I am quite proud that I have been able to find a way in my own life to be able to provide resources to help fight cancer, while also being able to assist others who fight the fight.

Yesterday, I had a chance to visit two New York City area hospitals that specialize in treating children with life-threatening illnesses. 

It is a day I look forward to more than any other day of the year, though my visits to hospitals occur several times a year. 

Perhaps the difference is that on this day I travel with many cool gifts that originate from the spirit of Neverland . . . gifts carefully saved for throughout the year by me and a few of my friends from Neverland.

And though I look forward to my visit, truth is fighting cancer or any life-threatening illness is not easy for anyone, yet alone for a child and their family.

Yet, I know first-hand just how important it is for anyone in the midst of the fight to 'Think of Happy Thoughts' ... because happy thoughts allows your spirit to fly and soar - and fight! And few know the importance of 'Happy Thoughts' more than Peter Pan.

My day was filled with a great amount of laughter. 

For whatever reason, God allowed me to become a gifted storyteller capable of sharing enchanting stories with children. 

And so my day, joined by my dear friend Patricia (Tinkerbell) and Fred (Twister), was filled with sharing stories that grasped at the children's and their parents' hearts.   And we were so blessed because along the way we recruited a wonderful group of 'Lost Adults' as I called them from Iowa who came to New York on a ministry to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.  Pastor Rick, Jane, Jenna, and Debbie had no idea what they were getting into when they stepped in the elevator, but we were sure glad they did because they were so incredibly helpful in so many ways.  New friends were made that shared something so incredible.

Sometimes I would enter a room and look around and say, "Hey, you're in my old bed!" While other times, I would introduce myself by saying in a low voice, "Hi, I'm Peter Pan. And I came to see you from Neverland.  And I have some presents for you from the Lost Boys and Girls. Do you think the adults can see me?" Or, "I'm Peter Pan, and I'm looking for someone who wants to come on an adventure and help me fight Captain James C. Hook.  Are you interested in an adventure?" 

For whatever the reason, the children I was blessed to visit appeared to connect with me.

There were stories told, really cool presents opened, prayers said, jokes told, and trust . . . a lot of trust.  You see, when I told the children that I fought the cousin of the dragon that they were fighting and beat him, they became very interested in what I had to say.

It was then that the room became very small, and it felt as if it was just me and one of my new pals.  And for the few minutes that we were locked in together, I allowed them to touch one of the scars on my head, and to feel the tight-ball of a muscle of my bicep, and to listen to my words of encouragement.  And during this time, I explained some things that were so important, including how important it was for them to find their 'Happy Thoughts' all the time. 

I can't begin to share with you the depth of what was given to me yesterday.  Truth is for as much as I may have shared, it was the children that gave so much to me. 

Hope is the most powerful tool in the world.  When we learn to see the magic around us, we are able to see and embrace hope.  When we embrace hope, our lives become enriched.

Faith is a very important part of my own life.  In my faith, of course I questioned often why God would allow for these children to go through what they are.  It was a similar set of questions I asked often during the time when one of my young family members had to fight the dragon (successfully).

Words the express my hope that the men and women who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer travel with God speed on their quest could never be properly expressed.  I am in awe of those individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping find cures to all diseases, and have been blessed to know over the years some of the world's leading genomic scientist who get up every day trying to make a difference.

But most of all, in the eyes of these amazing children I had the great privilege of visiting with yesterday, I saw the hope of mankind and the goodness that exists in each of us.

The lessons these children shared with me are lessons I will continue to embrace.  One of which I would like to share with you:

We all have the ability of making a positive difference in the life of another.  The magic of life is clearly found when we act compassionately.

Sadly, it would be unrealistic for me to think that all the children I met with yesterday will overcome the challenges they face.  My heart really does cry out in pain and sorrow; however, I try to take solace in knowing that the God I believe in does have a plan for each and every person.  And I am smart enough to know that I do not have the capacity to understand all that God has in store for each of us.  The heaviness of my heart is tempered by my belief in Heaven.  I learned a long time ago I am not afraid of dying here . . . in fact, for a few seconds of my own life, during the time when I had the tumor in my noggin and was receiving experimental therapy treatment, my own heart did stop.  And as I just said ... I do believe in Heaven.

My wish for each of you is that you embrace each and every moment of life.  Life really is filled with magic.  It appears that it comes down to how each of us decides to see.

I ask that you keep in your prayers all individuals who are not in good health, particularly children, because God really does listen.

Also, I decided not to share any photographs here out of respect for the privacy of the new friends I made yesterday.  Understandably, some parents have a hard time pictures, particularly if their child is undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy.

And as for me . . . my 'Peter Pan' will continue to guide my life.


Merry Christmas To All Of You . . . And Remember, "Embrace Hope, Know Faith . . . And Think Happy Thoughts'.

It Is Not Acceptable For Anyone To Call For Acts Of Violence Against Children With Autism Under Any Circumstance!

In my life, I have never been more angry and stirred to act than I am at this point after reading recently on several social media sites a growing number of suggested hate crimes against innocent, trusting, defenseless children who are on the autism spectrum. 

These statements that include various forms of violence against children are far worse than the inhuman hellfire punishment of a Salem witch trial, more barbaric than the lynching of a person because of their color, and reminiscent of the heartless acts of mass genocide committed by pure evil.

 I am both deeply concerned that calls for violence against any type of child - any type of adult for that matter - that is different can escalate into widespread stupidity that leads to physical harm, and cause even greater challenges and worry to a large and growing community of children and their parents who must deal day-in and day-out with seeing the world uniquely because these children were born differently.

From the hours afters the tragedy that has occurred in Newton, Connecticut where innocent children and adults had their lives stolen from them at the hands of bullets that came from semi-automatic, military grade weapons, I have, personally and as a director of the non-profit I CARE Foundation which has helped reunite many internationally kidnapped children while working to create new laws that will protect children from abduction and trafficking, I have called for sweeping gun control reform that will remove the sale of semi-automatic weapons and high-impact bullets, amongst a cache of suggestions that will protect people of all ages. 

Sadly, tragically, and unquestionably, bullets shot from guns kill people.  I wonder out loud how many of gunmen suffered from depression?  How many gunmen who shot at or killed a law enforcement officer murdered a police officer because they had access to a gun?

From my standpoint growing up in Brooklyn, New York, guns kill people.  Remove the guns off the street and remove the accessibility to murder.  On this note, I can't applaud Hizzoner Mayor Bloomberg and New York Police Commissioner Kelly enough for their indefatigable campaign to get rid of guns on the New York streets.  And the I CARE Foundation has strongly supported Mayor Bloomberg's 'Demand A Plan To Stop Gun Violence'.

But back to the hate-mongers and those who may have acted impulsively and who are acting with little compassion, knowledge, and inhumanity in their souls who have suggested that physical harm be brought to children on the spectrum, I urge each of you who have made these statements to think long and hard about what you are suggesting.  Think if you had a brother or sister, or son or daughter who was on the spectrum: would you love or hate that person?  Would you walk away from their challenges or would you help them?  Would you stand up to bullies who try to abuse or take advantage of them when their in school, knowing that your brother or sister, or son or daughter were very trusting - because generally individuals on the spectrum are very trusting.

Unequivocally, any call to violence and bullying against any children predefined by any characteristics would, I imagine, become a rallying cry and call-to-action from parents of these children, and I suspect this is very true of parents who fight day-in and day-out for any child who has a handicap or disadvantage. 

There is no room, place, or tolerance for hate crimes in our society - and that is exponentially embraced when we are discussing the safety of innocent children. 

Personally, I know many wonderful children who are on the spectrum, including amazing, loving, and gifted family members and children of very close friends of mine.  And each of these children are blessings in my life.  And I can't even begin to explain how much I have learned because at times these wonderful children remind me and teach me about the wonderment that is in the world because they see the world in the honesty we hope it to be.  Nor could I ever begin to share just how deep my admiration goes to the parents of children who are on the spectrum.  Their love and commitment toward their child is beyond remarkable.

Amy Harmon of the New York Times recently wrote an article titled, 'Fearing a Stigma for People With Autism' where she writes, "Experts say there is no evidence that they are more likely than any other group to commit violent crimes."

The New York Times article goes on to say, “Aggression in autism spectrum disorders is almost never directed to people outside the family or immediate caregivers, is almost never planned, and almost never involves weapons,” said Dr. Catherine Lord, director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York-Presbyterian hospital. “Each of these aspects of the current case is more common in other populations than autism.

      

"Dr. Lord said that in an unpublished review of data tracking several hundred adults with autism over at least the past five years, she and fellow researchers had found no use of weapons. Among more than 1,000 older children and adolescents in that study, only 2 percent were reported by parents to have used an implement aggressively toward a non family member — fewer than in a control group. That finding was repeated in another set of data that she analyzed over the weekend at the request of The New York Times."

      

So there is apparnetly no known correlation between violence and being on the autism spectrum.

 

The New York Times article points to a "most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate, one in 88 children in the United States have an autistic spectrum disorder, whose symptoms range in severity. For a time, it seemed almost faddish to be diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, or high-functioning autism, a condition in which individuals have normal or above-average language skills and intelligence but struggle to observe social rules, like when to make eye contact or to ask a reciprocal question, and to intuit the feelings of others."

  

Ms. Harmon's article provided insight into the world of adults who are on the autism spectrum when it stated, “When I tell someone I’m on the autism spectrum, there’s always a fear that they will judge me in a negative way because of it,” said Alex Plank, founder of WrongPlanet.net, a Web site where many individuals with Asperger syndrome have poured out their concerns in recent days.

 

“Fortunately, people think ‘Temple Grandin’ or even ‘Bill Gates’ and make a connection in their mind. I’d hate to have someone think ‘Adam Lanza.

      

"Some of the commenters on Mr. Plank’s site reflected an insider’s knowledge of life with an autism spectrum disorder:one wondered why the public school system was not providing Mr. Lanza with a “transition to adulthood” program through age 21, as required by federal law?"

 

Surely, and thankfully, the national conversation about gun control will bring about positive reform in our nation's gun control laws.  In this, I believe we all hope that innocent lives will be spared by an existing fate under the laws of today.  It is my strong hope that a second, and equally important national conversation continues to grow and sustains itself: and that is our nation's responsibility to assist all individuals on the spectrum regardless of age.

 

There have been an incredible number of highly gifted individuals who have made a tremendous impact on society who have been reported to have been or are on the spectrum. 

 

This list includes individuals who have been cited in a public report as possibly being on the spectrum includes Microsoft founder and renown philanthropist Bill Gates, along with scientist who changed the world such as Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Henry Cavendish as well as writers, entertainers, and artists such as Mozart, Michelangelo, Mark Twain, Jim Henson, Woody Allen and Jane Austin. Here is a list of some well-known individuals on the Autism Spectrum who have been associated with possibly being on the spectrum (cited from Wikipedia):

 

Asperger's Syndrome

• Jessica-Jane Applegate, Paralympic swimmer
• Henry Bond, writer and photographer^[2]
• Phillipa "Pip" Brown (aka Ladyhawke), indie rock musician^[3]
• Michael Burry, US investment fund manager^[4]
• Lizzy Clark, actress and campaigner^[5]
• Ryan Cleary, LulzSec hacker^[6]
• William Cottrell, student sentenced for fire-bombing SUV dealerships^[7]
• Paddy Considine, actor^[8]
• James Durbin, finalist on the tenth season of American Idol^[8]
• Robert Durst, American real estate developer accused of murder^[9]
• Tim Ellis, Australian magician and author^[10]
• Paula Hamilton, model^[11]
• Daryl Hannah, actress^[12]
• Peter Howson, Scottish painter^[13]
• Luke Jackson, author^[14]
• Heather Kuzmich, fashion model and reality show contestant on America's Next Top Model^[15]
• Adrian Lamo, American computer hacker^[16]
• Clay Marzo, American professional surfer^[17]
• Gary McKinnon, computer hacker who broke into high-security military and government sites^[18]
• Travis Meeks, lead singer, guitarist and song writer for acoustic rock band Days of the New^[19]
• Les Murray, Australian poet^[20]
• Robert Napper, British murderer^[21]
• Ari Ne'eman, American autism rights activist^[22]
• Jerry Newport, American author and mathematical savant, basis of the film Mozart and the Whale^[23]
• Craig Nicholls, frontman of the Australian alternative rock band, The Vines^[24]
• Gary Numan, British singer and songwriter^[25] (although he has not been medically diagnosed)^[26]
• Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author^[27]
• Dawn Prince-Hughes, Ph.D., primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author^[28]
• Nicky Reilly, failed suicide bomber from Britain^[29]
• John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye^[30]
• Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in economics^[31]
• Raymond Thompson, New Zealand scriptwriter and TV producer^[32]
• Liane Holliday Willey, author^[33]
• Adam Young, multi-instrumentalist, producer and the founder of the electronic project Owl City^[34]

High-functioning autism

 

High-functioning autism is an informal term, not an official diagnostic category. Compared to diagnostic criteria for the official ASDs, descriptions of HFA tend to align most closely with Asperger syndrome.

• Michelle Dawson, autism researcher and autism rights activist^[35]
• Temple Grandin, food animal handling systems designer and author^[36]
• Caiseal Mór author, musician, and artist^[37]
• Hikari Ōe, Japanese composer^[38]
• Dylan Scott Pierce, wildlife illustrator^[39]
• Jim Sinclair, autism rights activist^[40]
• Donna Williams, Australian author.

Autism spectrum

• Amanda Baggs, advocate of rights for autistic people^[41]
• Marty Balin, singer and songwriter with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship^[42]
• Lucy Blackman, university educated author^[43]
• Luca Brecel, Belgian professional snooker player.^[44]
• Alonzo Clemons, American clay sculptor^[45]
• Tony DeBlois, blind American musician^[46]
• Marc Evers, Paralympic swimmer^[47]
• James Hobley, British dancer and 2011 Britain's Got Talent finalist^[48]
• Jonathan Jayne, contestant on American Idol^[49]
• Christopher Knowles, American poet^[50]
• Bhumi Jensen, grandson of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand^[51]
• Leslie Lemke, blind American musician^[52]
• Jonathan Lerman, American artist^[53]
• Jason McElwain, high school basketball player^[54]
• Thristan Mendoza, Filipino marimba prodigy^[55]
• Tito Mukhopadhyay, author, poet, and philosopher^[56]
• Derek Paravicini, blind British musician^[57]
• James Henry Pullen, gifted British carpenter^[58]
• Matt Savage, U.S. autistic jazz prodigy^[59]
• Birger Sellin, German author^[60]
• Henriett Seth F., Hungarian autistic savant, poet, writer and artist^[61]
• Daniel Tammet, British autistic savant^[62]
• 50 Tyson, rapper and autism activist^[63]
• Richard Wawro, Scottish artist^[52]
• Stephen Wiltshire, British architectural artist^[64]

 

 The Center For Disease Control and Prevention stated on it's website:

 

ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but are almost five times more common among boys than among girls. CDC estimates that about 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with an ASD. It is unclear exactly how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASDs and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. We believe the increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors.
 
For over a decade, CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network has been estimating the number of people with an ASD in the U.S. We have learned a lot about how many children in the U.S. have an ASD. It will be important to use the same methods to track how the number of people with an ASD is changing over time in order to learn more about the disorders.

Most of all, we must all remember that any act of violence against another individual is wrong.  In light of the heavy hearts we all feel in the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut, and with deep respect and compassion for all who have been impacted by what sadly occurred, including the loss of so many lives, and, the deep scarring of so many lives who were there, we must join together and say that no call for violence against any person or any group will be tolerated from the moment words of intolerance are spoken.

And we surely must remember that we do need new gun control laws that will ensure that tragedies such as what occurred in Newtown will not occur again.

My friend Susann Gehring is a highly respecte parenting blogger who has come to the aid of children  at risk of international parental child abduction in her advocacy of sharing the I CARE Foundation's social messages about abduction and trafficking.  On her wonderful MommaHopper Blog, Susann posted a very important article that begins with:

At 9:30 we took a moment of silence and said a prayer today to remember those that lost their life last week at the horrible event. People want to blame someone. From the time of Adam and Eve, the blame game has begun. I have heard it is the guns fault, the gun makers fault. Now last night I hear people are hurting children who have Autism because the shooter had it. I just want to scream, BAD THINGS HAPPEN…..somethings we can’t explain why. Then I read this last night on Facebook. Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Joy Scott — a student killed in the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado — did make this speech during testimony on May 27, 1999 before the Subcommittee on Crime of the House Judiciary Committee. 

The Speech of Darrell Scott follows:  I suggest you read it.

Peter Thomas Senese
Founding Director
The I CARE Foundation

When Grandma and Grandpa Won't Let Go Of Their Grandchildren's Vidoe Game Remote Control

What do you do when your soon-to-be 70 year old mother thinks she is a Commando in Call To Duty, or your father, a few years older than your mother, thinks he's a mysterious assassin on a mission to save the world?

Do you:
1. Call their grandchildren and have the kids explain that vidoe games were not made for ARP carrying card holders?

2.  Do you encourage them to explore their inner-video game self?

3.  Do you seize the opportunity and create an 'Over 60 Gamer Tournement' in Las Vegas?

Welcome to my world . . . a world where my parents have become video game junkies.

As a best-selling author and long-term supporter of literacy, not only am I an avid reader, but I am a person who enjoys recommending books I think my friends would enjoy.

Though I love the feel and texture of bound books, I have come to also embrace the ease and accessibility of my e-readers (I have both an Amazon Kindle Fire and a Barnes & Noble Nook tablets).  This said, there is little I treasure more than my large and growing library collection of books.

My love of books and reading runs deep. I embrace the notion that a book is a free ticket to anywhere in the universe.  And so, as you may imagine, my life is filled with many adventures as I travel in the written words that my imagination fancifully embraces.

So over the past year, I thought that I would purchase my parents Kindle Fires.  At first I was unsure about getting my father a Kindle, but since my mother was an avid reader, I thought that she too would embrace the ease of using an e-reader as opposed to having to lug around her books.

With moderation in mind, I first purchased my mother a Kindle. 

And it was a giant hit.  My mother loves her Kindle.  She uses it to read, to check her email, to browse the news, and to sporadically connect with her friends on the social networks she belongs to.  She also loves doing something else with her Kindle . . .

Enter my father, who mind you, I purchased a Kindle after a short time of my mother receiving her Fire.  You see, it was only after about 3 weeks that my mother discovered that she enjoyed playing video games on her Kindle.

My father became curious, interested, and like my mother ... obsessed.

Seriously, my mother and father have become video game addicts.

Their primary game of choice?

Slotto Mania . . .

How bad is it?

Well, let me say this: every 2 or 4 hours  Slotto Mania gives away fictitious money to its players.  And if you miss the window to 'Collect Your Money', then you miss out on having additional money to play.   Now, fortunately, there is no real money involved, otherwise I would be real worried.

Nevertheless, my parents are very conscious to collect there money.  It's like they've become loan sharks making sure that the Kindle pays up . . .

So imagine, here are my two senior parents .... they're far from old .... and at midnight, one of them is up to make sure that they are collecting their Slotto Mania money.  Then, depending on if the 'Collect Your Money' notification is marked for 2 hours or 4 hours (it varies), the other one will be responsible for collecting their money at that time. 

Imagine you have the midnight shift, I'll take the 2 a.m. shift, and then you're on call for the 4 a.m. shift, etc.

Sure sounds like someone is taking care of  a newborn, but that can't be possible - my parents are or are approaching their 70's!

Now from what I understand, and what I have witnessed with my own eyes ... they play their video games for several hours during the day.  Now mind you, my parents are very active individuals ... I mean, very active.  Which makes it even that much more comical to know that during their downtime, they are playing video games.  And of course, getting up at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. sure seems a bit obsessive.

I could only imagine what any parent would say to their young child if this type of behavior was exhibited.  But its not like I can ground my parents to take their Kindle away. 

And like children who first discover the wonderment of video games, my parents are beginning to branch out. 

I'm just waiting to walk into their house and see them playing Call Of Duty or Assassins Creed. 

As for using Kindle for what I hoped would be an enriching experience of reading, well, on occasion a book I recommend does get downloaded.  Thank God!

But in their senior years, and with Christmas approaching, my only question is do I purchase them a PlayStation, a Wii, or an Xbox?  In our home, we have all three - each has their merits.

So in case you're wondering what I will be doing this Saturday, I will be shopping for a video console and some games for my . . . mother and father!

As my soon-to-be 97 year old spectacular grandmother Ida has said to me often throughout my life, "Life is to mysterious to take is serious and if you do it will make you delirious."

Happy Holidays my friends,

Peter

I CARE Foundation Supports I DEMAND A PLAN Calling For Stringent Gun Control

The overwhelming sadness and concern our nation feels in the aftermath of the tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy that took place in Newton, Connecticut should be equally measured by all individuals with intolerance of a lack of gun control and ammunition laws that will protect against the insanity of these unthinkable, incomprehensible events from happening again.

As we mourn the murder of the 20 young, innocent children, the taking of life of 6 defenseless educators, and the deadly assault of a mother who died at the hands of her child who she spent her life trying to help - as we grieve for the families who have suffered due to this mass murder - and as we recall the many innocent lives who were victims of murder by firearms, we must create a widespread and sweeping plan that will be directed at significantly lowering the 48,000 American citizens who are expected to be murdered by a gun during the upcoming next four years of President Obama's presidency.


The I CARE Foundation supports New York City Mayor Bloomberg and the scores of hundred's of mayors from around the nation who support the I DEMAND A PLAN and the MAYORS AGAINST ILLEGAL GUNS.  We thank and support Hizzoner's commitment to limit ease and access to guns because guns are the instrument that people use to kill.

It is unthinkable that nearly 48,000 American children will be murdered by a gun over the next 4 years.

It is unthinkable that nearly 125,000 American children will be murdered by a gun over the next 10 years.

It is incomprehensible to accept that the entire population of cities such as Simi Valley, Hartford, Ann Arbor, Flint, Cedar Rapids, East Los Angeles, Topeka, Stamford, Vallejo, or Springfield have less than the total expected number of murdered American's over the next ten years by the bullet of a gun.

It is unacceptable to think that the expected number of gun-related murders is equal to three entire professional baseball stadiums filled with cheering fans dying due to some cataclysmic event.

As we mourn all those who lost their life in Newton, Connecticut and as we remember the murder victims everywhere - not just those innocent lives who lost their life due to a mass-targeting - but everyone - the I CARE Foundation Demands a Plan.

We support all new laws that will prohibit the sale or possession of assault rifles.

We support all new laws that will prohibit the sale of all ammunitions designed to take human life, including bullets designed to pierce body armor.

We support all new laws and measures that will protect law enforcement officers in their line of duty.

We support new federal initiatives that would utilize technology to ensure that a firearm cannot be used unless the fingerprints of the user match the license use of the specific firearm.

We support the I DEMAND A PLAN initiative because, as child advocates fighting day-in and day-out to protect innocent children from international kidnapping and trafficking, we seek to celebrate life and each person's right to pursue happiness.

We can't imagine that it would take the immediate loss in totality of every individual living in a mid-sized American city such as those mentioned above for our nation's leaders to act.

Senator Feinstein

We support California Senator Feinstein's plan to reintroduce legislation to ban assault weapons.  We take the honorable Senator's words optimistically when she said that, "“I’m going to introduce in the Senate and the same bill will be introduced in the House, a bill to ban assault weapons. It will ban the sale, the transfer, the importation and the possession. Not retroactively but prospectively. And it will ban the same for big clips, drums or strips of more than 10 bullets. So there will be a bill. We’ve been working on it now for a year.” 

Senator Schumer

We take note that New York State Senator Charles Schumer that Congress "Could get something done," but only if the paradigm of the debate shifts. He said gun control advocates on the left must acknowledge that the Second Amendment allows the right to bear arms and that the right must stop engendering fear in gun owners that the gun control advocates want to take away all guns.

Schumer said his proposals would not interfere with the Second Amendment but would offer protections. He proposes a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban, a limit to the size of clips available for purchase and restrictions placed on the mentally unstable from obtaining guns.

We take note with hopeful optimism that the words "These tragedies must end," and that "We can't tolerate this anymore" spoken by President Obama will lead to a sweeping plan.

We acknowledge that the House of Representatives has year-after-year passed legislation that banned assault weapons; however, we also acknowledge that the Senate has been gridlocked.

President Obama

We urge all Senators to stop the gridlock and get something done.  We can't imagine anyone would need a semi-automatic, high velocity AR-15 Bushmaster assault rifle that is capable of letting out 30 rounds?

In honor of the memory of all who have lost their lives while being mindful of all our responsibilities to prevent the murder of more innocent lives, the I CARE Foundation is in support of the I DEMAND A PLAN Campaign and asks everyone to sign the petition urging our lawmakers to create and pass a sweeping plan that will significantly reduce the expected 125,000 Americans that will lose their life over the next 10 years on American soil by a bullet.

The I CARE Foundation

Finally, we take particular note that our society faces challenges when it comes to aiding and assisting individuals who suffer from neurological and mental health challenges, particularly individuals who, upon age of adulthood, fall out of social service support.  We recognize that this issue, similar to gun control, is complex.  Yet, in the dialogue of what tragically occurred in Newton, we believe it necessary that this issue is brought to light.

Our hearts are very heavy today, as they have been for the past few days due to the losses that have occurred.  Little said or done can ever bring back the lives of the innocent lives that were lost.  However, we can demonstrate our caring and true intent by creating new laws and policies that will stop the violence of guns. 

The Board of Directors and the Special Advisory Board of the I CARE Foundation urges everyone to please sign the I DEMAND A PLAN petition and support all initiatives that will address gun control laws.

As Hizzoner Mayor Bloomberg correctly said, "Words alone cannot heal our nation, only action can."

On Behalf of the I CARE Foundation 

- Peter Thomas Senese -
 Founding Director 




http://www.demandaplan.org/

Peter Thomas Senese Singing - Gangnam Style

Over the past year, I have quietly been inside the recording studio working on my first music video. So here it is . . . enjoy it!! -Peter Thomas Senese - Best-selling author, child advocate, filmmaker, and now .... mucical recording artist!

 

Peter Thomas Senese - Flying Gangnam Style

A Very Sepcial Day For Me - Helping Children

For over a decade I have remained active with a handful of hospitals that are dedicated to helping children fighting cancer or any other serious illness. 

As a cancer conqueror myself, as a professional with a history of investing in cancer research, and as a person who embraces my social responsibility, I have done what I can to financially support several hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and an assortment of Children's Hospitals.


I know first-hand that fighting cancer is not easy.  I also know that my life changed for the better in many ways when I had to fight the dragon because life and its beauty came to me in ways I had never previously experienced.  In seeing the magic, in my own way, I found my inner 'PAN'. 

I also know that the dragon is very powerful, and has the ability of taking life here on earth.  But in having my PAN fight the dragon, I also came to deeply understand that God does exist, and so too does Heaven.

I have come to understand that each of us can be 'PAN', and that no matter what, we can see magic ... and there is another place we all will go to.  A very magical place.

Each year I literally save my pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, ones, fives, tens, twenties .... whatever I can and put these monies in a 'Neverland' box.  The box is rather big.  Sometimes, during the year I empty the coins in the box and exchange them for bills.  I did that a few times this year.   And I am very blessed that I have a wonderful partner who is willing to give up a few niceties like a vacation or a fancy dinner or a new pair of shoes and toss the money saved into the 'Neverland' box.  Our efforts add up.

Then once a year -like today -  I take the money I saved - and I go and purchase Nintendo DS's or Sony PS's along with a video game or two that I give to the children being treated at the cancer ward of a few of the hospitals. Of course, I am mindful that some of the children may not be able to play the video games: some simply can't while others are to young and would prefer something else.  So I always have on hand a bunch of fashionable princesses and Lego, and coloring books - but most of all what I bring is the spirit of Peter Pan.

You see, if the medical doctors initial diagnosis of my cancer fight was correct, I would have been dead a long time ago.  It was nearly 15 years ago that I was first diagnosed with a brain tumor, followed by being diagnosed with neurofibromatosis II - which were both death sentences.

But I found my shadow.  And though you might think it odd, finding my PAN saved my life.

So you see, at 6 foot tall, and even at 47 year old, my body is very strong, those children that I visit in their Neverland, they don't see some old guy bringing toys . . . instead, they see Peter Pan - fighter and conqueror of the dragon.  And when I sit with them, and I tell them the stories of Pan fighting the dragon, of one Mr. James C. Hook, they always lean in . . . they understand.  And I know they find their PAN . . . even if for a short time because God has other plans for them. 

But you see . . . life is filled with magic.  And it becomes magical when you believe.  And God knows I believe.

I really believe.

And so in a few minutes I will be off to shop for these children, knowing that it is not the material gift that matters the most (though at times it helps, particularly when some of these children have no parents there with them [it is true] since they are wards of the state at the ages of 3, and 4, and 5).

And then over the next two weeks I will begin making my rounds to the hospitals, and hopefully teaching as many children as possible how to catch their shadow . . . and how to see the magic because it is right before their eyes - all they have to do is believe.

So today is a very important day for me.  It seems as if so much of my life evolves around keeping several promises I made.  One, when I was fighting the brain tumor that nearly took my life, was that I would do what I could to help others fighting the dragon should I live.  Thus, my ongoing support of research and other outreach at a handful of hospitals.  And of course, several times a year, with Christmas being the biggest time, I get to share the PAN that lives within me with others.  And so if you are wondering why I am willing to fight for children - this is part of the reason.

Fighting cancer should never be taken lightly.  But when trying to overcome any illness, we must learn to use all the tools . . . all the magic that is around us.  This includes the aid of modern medicine, homeopathic treatment, lots and lots of pray, and of course - finding the magic and embracing it.

Life is short. Eventually our spirits move to the next Adventure.

This past Thursday morning, my dear friend Robert Medori passed away while fighting the dragon.  Bobby is one of the nicest persons I have ever known.  He was a good, caring, and loving man, and though he will be missed here on earth, he will always be with me. 

And so today, Bobby will surely be joining me as we shop for the children.

Love Life.  Embrace Life's Magic.

Find your  . . . PAN

- Peter -

U.S. Senate Passes SR 543: Condemns International Parental Child Abduction

I am thrilled to share that this past Tuesday evening, December 4th, 2012, the United States Senate, led by my California Senator Barbara Boxter, passed Senate Resolution 543 which uniquivicably condemns the criminal and abusive act against children known as international parental child abduction.

Senator Boxter initially introduced the resolution before the Senate this past August.  In September the SR 543 went before Senator Kerry's Foreign Affairs Committee.

SR 543 has the potential to be a major game-changer for all children who have been taken or who may be targeted for international kidnapping at the hands of another parent.

For a detailed analysis of SR 543, please read the commentary of the I CARE Foundation.

And in advance, thank you for sharing this information with others.

- Peter Thomas Senese -
Founding Director
The I CARE Foundation