Celebrities and Special Needs Children: Raising Awareness or Child Exploitation?

Having a special needs child is something that no one is immune to. It happens every day, all around the globe. Rich people, poor people and everyone in between. Even celebrities.

Some would call it a Hollywood “trend.” Celebrities shouting from the rooftops about how they are raising a special needs child. Yet, can this really be viewed as a trend? Or is it simply a matter of raising awareness?

Celebrities like Jenny McCarthy have gotten plenty of guff for what some people claim is nothing short of exploitation when it comes to sounding off about her autistic son. Some wonder if she used to him resurrect her stalling career or that her former beau, Jim Carrey.

Though it may be tempting to point fingers and accuse a celebrity of the “any press is good press” mantra, nobody can deny the fact that McCarthy has tirelessly donated her time and resources to raise autism awareness via several charities and events, including the Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey Autism Organization – Generation Rescue.

In another example, celebrity/politician/author, ex-Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, was accused of using her son Trig, who suffers from Down syndrome, as a campaign ploy and a push for her stance on Right to Life issues. While Ms. Palin vehemently denies doing anything other than sharing her “colorful” family with the nation, the rest of the country couldn’t help but take notice of Down syndrome issues, which spawned a resurgence in educating later-in-life mothers about the risks involved in having babies after age 35.

While having a special needs child is no easy road to travel and there is no safe online pharmacy to go to and make it all “go away” there is much to be said for those who are brave enough to share their “normal-to-them” children with the rest of society. Celebrities or otherwise. Because sharing these special, wonderful gifts of God raises awareness on several levels, which often translates into raising money and resources for the cause. And that, any way you slice it, can only be a good thing!

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Liberty Kontranowski is a freelance writer with hundreds of articles published online and in print covering topics like health, sex, celebrities, beauty and more. She is part of the Viamedic writing team, providing top-quality articles to safe and secure online pharmacies like Viamedic.com.

Celebrities Spread the Word on Autism

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an average of 1 in 110 children has been diagnosed with some form of autism, bringing the estimated number of people in the United States who suffer from this disorder to between 1.5 and 2 million. It also affects untold numbers of family and friends, and celebrities are no exception. In recent years, many celebrities have come forward to speak about autism and how it has affected their lives and the lives of their family members. Luckily, many of them have opted to use their influence on behalf of autism acceptance and education, and they’re making a real difference.

The most notable and outspoken celebrity on this topic is probably Jenny McCarthy, who has become known in recent years as the face of autism. Her son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. She famously spoke about it on Oprah in 2007 and then began chronicling her journey to get him treatment in 2008’s Louder Than Words and 2009’s Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds. Along with Dr. Jerry Karzinel, M.D., she also co-wrote the 2009 release Healing and Preventing Autism: A Complete Guide. And if that wasn’t enough, she founded an organization called Generation Rescue, consisting of “…scientists, physicians, and parent-volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism…” Besides doing research, Generation Rescue strives to provide parents of autistic children with education and resources (including funding grants) to get early treatment. She, more than anyone, has helped this disorder come into the national spotlight.

Another celebrity who has dedicated himself to fighting autism is quarterback Doug Flutie, whose son, Doug Flutie, Jr., was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. He was one of the first celebrities to bring autism into the public spotlight. Doug and his wife Laurie started the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in 2000 to increase awareness about the disorder, raise money both for research and to help families in need, and improve the overall quality of life for those suffering from autism. Since 1998, the Fluties have raised more than $10 million through corporate donations and endorsements.

Another former football player who is doing his part to fight autism is Dan Marino. After his son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, he and his wife Claire sought immediate treatment. Within months, he was able to begin speaking with the aid of a speech pathologist and today he functions at the same level as his peers. Because Michael had such success with early treatment, Marino wanted to find a way to help others. So in 1998 he built the Dan Marino Center at the Miami Children’s Hospital to treat children with autism and other developmental disorders. Then in 2005 his foundation donated $1.2 million to establish the Marino Autism Research Institute (MARI), with the goal of developing cutting edge research on the causes and treatments of autism.

Whether because autism is spreading or because it has become more widely recognized and diagnosed, it now affects more families than ever. And many celebrities have found themselves among that number. But by using the multiple resources at their disposal, they are doing their part to ensure that research continues and families obtain the education and resources they need to cope with and treat autism.

Guest Post by: Sarah Leonard of Nursing Programs.

Glee Star Does His Bit For Kids At Risk

Patrick Gallagher, star of music TV phenomenon Glee got together with some of Hollywood’s brightest entertainers to promote positive programs that assist at-risk youth.

Gallagher teamed up with musicians Amy Scruggs, Invinceable, Madisen Hill and Brittany Flickinger, Comedian/Actor Scott Vinci, Actresses Helenna Santos, Nadjah Dabney, Kristen Ruhlin, Ariel Teal Toombs, and Actors Rene Cadet and James Giordano among others to appear in a Public Service Announcement, with filming commencing in Burbank on Sunday. The PSA aims to educate the public on the challenges faced by at-risk youth as well as promoting the red carpet fundraiser “Big Kids Care” scheduled for July 21st.


Big Kids Care benefits not-for-profit organization San Bernardino County Prevention, Resource, Intervention, Mentoring, Education (SBC PRIME). SBC PRIME provides weekly workshops, with mentoring and information services for 13 – 21 year olds from low income, probation and foster care homes. The group meets for 4 hours and covers topics such as preparing for employment, managing money, preparing for a college education and stress management. The young adults were even treated to a day of pampering recently; receiving pedicures and massages as part of the program!

SBC PRIME also supply much needed items such as school supplies, food and retail vouchers, personal hygiene products and transport services to around 180 youth and always welcome contributions.

SBC Prime is no stranger to celebrity endorsement. Youth advocates for Big Kids Care include Paul Butler, child star of Children of the Corn, Sonny with a Chance and My Sister's Keeper, Jordan Butler (Playhouse Disney), Gabreon Womack (Playhouse Disney and Lakeview Terrace) and Nya Womack.”

“Why not try to give them (disadvantaged teens) some hope?” said Crystal Butler, founder of the organization. “Our goal is to prevent incarceration, teen pregnancy, drug use, homelessness and unemployment” According to Ms Butler, over 21% of San Bernardino youth live in poverty.


Canadian born Gallagher plays the love sick, somewhat depressed Coach Tanaka on Glee and has appeared in dozens of movies and television programs including the Night at the Museum Films, True Blood, The Line and Da Vinci’s Inquest among others. Gallagher is said to be thrilled to be involved with the project.

Tickets for the red carpet event are extremely limited and available exclusively to members of the entertainment industry and to sponsors.

To become a Big Kid that Cares either through donation or sponsorship, contact the event organizers, ARC Talent Management or donate directly to the organization.

About the Author: Susan Long has used her knowledge of the housing industry to benefit low income families for many years through her work at Sell Property Quickly

The Tyra Show Needs Better Researchers

I watched The Tyra Show today, and it was centered on “cyber haters.” Let me start off by saying that I like Tyra and I watch her show occasionally. That being said, I feel that the show needs better researchers. This particular episode started off with 4 guests. Tyra referred to them as bloggers, yet it was never mentioned what their blogs were.

During the time that these guests were on, it was said that they were anonymous commenters and that they would leave hateful comments of celebrity gossip sites. There is a big difference between a commenter and a blogger. I am a blogger. My website is a blog. I write articles/posts and people (commenters) leave comments on different posts that I write.

After watching Tyra, and listening to her refer to her guests as bloggers, I became frustrated and annoyed. The discussions were centered around comments that they make online. Leaving comments on a post does not make that person a blogger. Yes, you can be both a commenter and a blogger. My point is, nothing that was said on The Tyra Show indicated that these people were bloggers, except the fact that Tyra referred to them as such.

It frustrates and annoys me that Tyra’s staff did not prepare her well enough for this episode. The show ended up showing bloggers in a bad light. There are bloggers out there that are haters. It’s pathetic and sad. I try to use my blog to help people, and it is disgusting that there are people that will use their blog to hurt people. My point is that, in this case, I think bloggers are being insulted. The show makes us look bad, and it appeared that this people were not even bloggers.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Call it Quits

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are one of Hollywood’s hottest couples. Fans all over the world watch there every move. Although they are not an official married couple, the two share custody of 6 children and have are financially worth around a combined $300 million.

They set tongues wagging when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s marriage broke up and he hooked up with Angelina Jolie. They are referred to as Brangelina in the press and by fans. Rumors have been reported numerous times that the couple will be breaking up. Now, it looks like it may be real.

MSNBC has reported on this latest development, and you can view the video clip below. Who will replace Brangelina as the Hollywood power couple? Can anyone? I think it would take a super dynamic couple to even come close to receiving the type of fascination that Brad and Angelina draw. My thoughts go to the children and how this will affect them. Brad and Angelina will survive. It’s the children that always pay the ultimate price.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Brittany Murphy Fired and Tiger Woods 4th Mistress

Why are we so fascinated with celebrities? The latest hot gossip going around the internet is Brittany Murphy getting fired from the movie The Caller and Tiger Woods 4th mistress. I mean, really, why do people care?

If you can't place the name, Brittany Murphy has had a great career as an actress.
From Wikipedia

"Murphy landed her first job in Hollywood when she was 14, starring as Brenda Drexell in the series Drexell's Class. She then went on to play Molly Morgan in the short-lived The Torkelsons spinoff Almost Home. Murphy has also guest starred on several television series including Parker Lewis Can't Lose, Blossom, and Frasier. She has also had recurring roles on Sister, Sister, Party of Five, and Boy Meets World. In 1997, she began voicing the character of Luanne Platter (as well as the younger version of Joseph Gribble) on the long-running animated series King of the Hill.

Murphy has starred in many successful films, including Clueless (1995), Girl, Interrupted (1999), Don't Say a Word (2001), the TV adaption of the novel The Devil's Arithmetic (2001), 8 Mile (2002) and Uptown Girls (2003) as well as many lesser-known films, such as Spun (2003). In 2004, she starred in the romantic comedy Little Black Book, and the critically acclaimed Sin City (2005). In 2009, she was cast in the Lifetime TV movie, Tribute, as the main character, Cilla."

Now, rumors are that she was fired from the movie The Caller because of her behavior. If you are interested in more information about this (and a tacky picture) visit Fimly Fair.










Over on HipHopRX, you can read about the newest mistress of famous golfer Tiger Woods. "First alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel, 34, a New York nightclub hostess, second mistress Jaimee Grubbs, a 24 year old medical marijuana waitress, third mistress Kalika Moquin, a 27 year old Las Vegas marketing manager and worker at The Bank nightclub, and now the man, who by the way already had a supermodel (Elin Nordegren, 29) for a wife, Tiger Woods, has an alleged fourth mistress, Jamie Jungers, a 26 year old Las Vegas model." Of course, you can also view photographs of them on the site, too.


What do you think? Is there too much time and attention spent on celebrities? Why are we so fascinated with them? Do we not have enough going on in our lives to keep us occupied?