April (Part One)

It seems as though different causes adopt different months, weeks, and days dedicated to causes and it can be difficult to remember which is which. April is both Animal Abuse Prevention Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. That is why this week's blogs will be in two parts dedicated to each cause.

Child Abuse Prevention Month was created to raise awareness across the country and in communities about child abuse and neglect and to create an open dialogue to help stop the silence. A lot of people sell blue ribbons, bracelets, and car magnets with all proceeds going to child abuse prevention. You can also donate your money or time to local resources that work to prevent this year round.

Please visit ChildWelfare.gov for more information and to see how you can help.

Let me tell you a little bit about what happens in my community. Three years ago a local radio DJ named Keke Luv decided that it shouldn't hurt to be a child and wanted to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. To do this, he stayed up for 175 hours (seven whole days) on-air. The community response was amazing. People were calling in with their stories and support and it created a sense of catharsis for everyone involved.


Last year, Keke Luv ran seven marathons in seven days all around the community live broadcast online. He almost didn't make it, but when he finished the seventh marathon, everyone cheered either silently or very loudly.

This year, Keke Luv is going back to staying awake, this time for EIGHT days (192 hours!), live on the radio (where you can also check out the pages from the last two years). The video will be streamed online and he will be keeping a blog. The DJ is also dedicating the eighth day to the memory of Robert Manwill and other children like him.