The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Jason O'Neill A very popular article on Examiner is about Teens that Inspire . Especially at holiday time it is always nice to hear "good news." Here is an open letter from one of the many teens that inspire, Jason O'Neill : Time is running out. December 4th is the deadline to donate to give teddy bears to kids at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA this Christmas. Last year, with the help of people around the world, I raised $5,130 which enabled me to buy 1800 teddy bears for the kids. I was hoping to top that amount this year but we have a long way to go in a short amount of time. If you are able to donate, every dollar counts. 100% of the money raised goes toward buying the bears. I use my own money for shipping, PayPal transaction fees, and any other miscellaneous expenses. With any amount donated, your name will be added to my website fundraiser page. Thank you to those who helped last year and who have already donated this year. Everything i...

Last year one of the most popular Examiner articles was Teens that Inspire .   As the holidays approach, it is a time for giving, sharing, volunteering and being part of your community to those in need.  Each of these teens continue to grow their passion of helping others and are an inspiration to many more. In no particular order, here are some quick updates: Danielle Herb Danielle Herb, FL : Just turning 16 years old, Danielle has had a difficult year with her health, but that hasn't stopped her positive and outgoing spirit to care about others.  After being diagnosed with with RSD/CRPS , Danielle fought back through extensive rehab (see video on sidebar), had to learn to walk again, yet was determined to get back to her horses and what her passion is - helping others. Learn more about her recovery and her mission at her website Drop Your Reins and don't forget to join her Facebook Fan Page . Cati Grant, CA:   Now at 17 years ...

It's official!  Krantz Dental Care of Mandarin (Jacksonville) has done it again! Doubling their intake from last year, Krantz Dental Care of Mandarin , collected a new record of 1,400 pounds of Halloween candy for our troops serving overseas.   “ It’s a win-win situation ,” says Dr. Alan Krantz.  “ We get to promote a healthy Halloween for children, while at the same time, are able to let our troops know we are thinking of them.  Some of the children even wrote notes to be included with the candy—it was extremely touching to read their messages.” All last week, children brought in their candy to Krantz Dental Care and received $1 for every pound.  In addition, Krantz Dental Care donated an additional $1 to Feed a Needy Neighbor , a Jacksonville program that helps local families.  Local schools got involved this year with Durbin Creek Elementary, Pine Forest Elementary and Creekside High School collecting 650, 62 and 85 pounds, res...

Being a teenager can be difficult. Keeping up with the trendy clothes , hair styles and hanging with the cool group is all part of being a teen in high school today. However when it comes to teens with special needs, having a friend is one of the hardest parts of going to high school. Circle of Friends is changing that one school at a time. Circle of Friends is a social skills programs for teens and adults with disabilities such as autism, through understanding, acceptance, friendship and inclusion. Going into local high schools, teens are changing lives. They provide valuable support and friendship to those with disabilities. Teens and adults that were once isolated and lonely with their disability are now experiencing living through Circle of Friends. From a simple phone call, to going out to eat, Circle of Friends is providing a sense of normalcy to people with disabilities. Special events are planned such as dances and organized outings to the movies and shopping help these ...

Let's face it, more and more kids today are engrossed with their computers and cell phones. Less are participating in physical activity . Years ago a game of kick-ball in the neighborhood was a weekly or even daily event afterschool. Today with the fear of our kids being kidnapped or the kids simply more interested in their technology, teens and kids are not getting enough exercise. Parents it is time to speak up. PE 4 Life is an organization that can help you bring more psychical education into your school district and your community. Do you realize that schools have devalued and cut physical education to the point that the majority of children get one day of PE per week? Children today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents for the first time in one hundred years because of the epidemic of obesity, according to Dr. William Klish, Professor of Pediatrics and Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine. Lack of PE at school is a disservice to y...