Sarah's Misc. Folder

Sarah's Misc. Folder

12/15/2005

This is a letter to 'Connect with Kids' from a school teacher; She say's some pretty eye opening things:

SOUTHSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
2948 Knight's Lane East • Jacksonville, FL 32216 • 739-5238

A National Model School • A School of Excellence
Florida Blue Ribbon School • National Drug Free and Safe School

Dear Connect with Kids,

I have been a teacher with special education students for 30 years. I have seen a lot of programs come and go, all claiming to make a huge impact on kids. But Connect with Kids is the only program that includes students, teachers, parents, and is current and up to date with what’s going on with teens.

I noticed last school year some of my students would come back from gym with red marks on their necks. They explained to me the “regular” kids taught them how to play the “ choking game” or “pass out”. They would let another child squeeze their throat until they literally passed out. They seemed to think it was OK because everyone was doing it. At the end of the school year, one the regular students hung himself. It may have been in an effort to play that game.

This summer I decided I would let my students know right off the bat how dangerous this game is. Then, while on the Connect with Kids website, I found an interesting article about it with facts and resources I could share with my students. They were really interested and I found out everyone in my class had played the game before. After reading the Connect with Kids information, they promised to stop and also to let others know to stop.

The next day on the news we heard that a teacher had lost her daughter to the “choking game”. My students commented, “Her mom is a teacher. She should have known about the choking game”. But this teacher had never heard of it. As my kids also said, “It’s so sad to think that if either the mom or the daughter had learned more about it, maybe she would be alive today”. I am thankful that my school system is using Connect with Kids. It’s a program that is current, is for adults, students, and teachers, and literally saves lives!

So what are we doing today in class? Well, one of the kids just discovered a new article about overage kids and ADHD, which is what my class is all about. I guarantee it will be another interesting discussion today, and maybe I’ll be able to keep a kid from dropping out of school.

Thank you Connect with Kids. You are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Barbara Green

S.A.V.E. Program/Teacher

October 21, 2005

This is an e mail I recieved today, October 21, 2005. This is the first Medical Examiner who has stepped up to the plate and is willing to work towards the truth of classification of death for those who have died as a result of playing 'The Choking Game':
I just wanted to let you know that I spoke to DR. Kim Collins, she is a forensic pathologist for the state of South Carolina, she is located at the University of South Carolina. She wrote a paper titled "Suicide under the age of 18." I took a chance and called her. She was very interested in the evaluation of suicide, and the confusion of asphyxiation activity. She is very willing to look at all the hanging deaths she has, and look at all info and re-_eval. If she felt she needs to change any, or get more investigation she seems more than willing. She also gave me names of other Medical examiners who might be interested in hearing our info. Just a little encouragement.

July 30, 2005

This is a note to all who have reached out and written to Us. Thank you so much for your kind words and for those of you that are sharing your child with us, thank you and know that we too are on this road with you. Currently I am trying to respond to all of you who have sent e mails; I found today that some have gone into my 'bulk' folder and I fear I may have already deleted a few.

To my children Elizabeth, Arthur and Samuel, you are so brave and so kind to me: Thank you for being my children, I love you so much....

To my Family..and there are lots of you... I love you so much......too!!

To Tammy, Joe, Hunter, Baylee Boo and Laura, Penni and Dianna ...... The words are frozen in my throat and finger tips... You know what they are......!

To Everyone who has prayed for us and campainged for us.. Who has listened to me go on and on... Thank you....

My Friends and Co Workers ( they are one and the same...) Thank you thank you and I love you.....

To my precious son Gabriel Harry...... Baby I miss you so damn much.... I adore you and I thank God you were my child.... I love you beautiful boy of mine.......

Samuel and I taped the Dr. Phil show on September 1, 2005. Our segment was on the 'Choking Game' and Gabriel's death as a result of playing it. This show titled 'Dangerous Teen Trends' aired on September 27, 2005. I am very grateful that Dr. Phil chose to acknowledge and warn parents about this deadly game. To Amy Joe, Astra, Galen baby and Russell: Thank you, thank you so much for all that you have done, and especially for your kindness to Samuel. We will always remember you...

E mails, thoughts and notes

E mail from a Mom who found her child playing....

Last night I was woken by my Labrador. I figured she must need to go out. When I got up I heard a disturbing noise from my basement. My son was having a sleep-over with three other friends. One of the boys had talked another into trying "the choking game". When I walked down to see what was happening, my heart dropped to my stomach. In sheer terror I screamed, "what are you doing?" The boys began to explain it was a game. I told them how dangerous their "game" was and that I would have to talk with their parents the next day. After a night of no sleep, I called the local hospital to try to get additional information. The nurse that I spoke to said she was not real familiar with this game but had seen something about it on the Primetime TV show. She suggested that I call Children's Hospital to try to get more information. The nurse at Children's Hospital was not familiar with the game but said she would look into it and call me on Monday if she could gather any information that would be helpful. I then turned to the web and came across Primetime's story of Chelsea, and then your story about Gabriel. I printed of the stories and the photos from your web page. When I woke the boys this morning I read them some of the stories and information I had found. When I shared with them the photos of Gabriel, Chelsea and Jason they grabbed the pages with the photos and just kept staring at the kids. I honestly feel that once the boys saw the pictures of the children whose lives were taken from this "game", it made it seem more real. We talked for quite awhile and they all promised they would not play the choking game anymore. (I hope and pray they will stay true to their word - I realize I will still need to keep tabs on the situation). My heart goes out to you and your family and I thank you for putting the time into Gabriel's web page - It touched my life and the life's of four 13 year old boys.

Jeri-Lynn

E mail from Linda, a dear friend 08-10-05

Hello Sarah,
    I finally got to see the show. I thought it went well.Wish they could have given you more air time but at least you finally got heard. God willing, more broadcasting will be done on this subject so the whole world will no longer be ignorant about this. I had fun writing to Sam and then getting such a quick response. I felt like he was right in the room with us as I read his letter to Drew.
   I don't know how feasable it would be for you too to come visit, or even just SAM, but we would sure love to have him come stay here with us for awhile.
       Christine is coming to visit the end of the month. she will stay for 10 days or so. i cant wait to see her. I am so hoping that she falls in love with this place and will move up here. I don't know how much more she can take. I keep praying that all my loved ones will move this way. Especially you and Sam.
Are you still at your same job? How are you doing with that in lue of your emotions. Does the job create a diversion from your thoughts, for the moment, while you are there?
Oh Sarah, how I wish I could carry your pain for you.    Last night I had a very strange dream. You and I were back at your old house on West ranch road, the boys were 2 years old. Life was like it was back then, only we knew the future. As we held Gabriel, we knew his destiny. We sat and embrased him, sobbing and feeling the loss already. We charished every moment with him. It was so wierd.
I can still remember those days like they were just yesterday/ That time, sharing in your kids lives was so impactful on my life. I feel such a bond with them like they are my own flesh and blood.   I am so thankful that God brought you into my life 13 years ago on a snowy day in Quincy Ca, I will never forget the day you came driving up to my driveway as I was shoveling snow. You always did have a grand entrance. That day changed my life forever.            Oh how I love you Sarah.

My thoughts and prayers are with you every day.        talk to you soon....all my love
                                          Linda lou from Malibu

The below news segment aired across the country on the very night that Gabriel 'played' this game... If only we had seen it.... If only I had known...

Choking game