Stories of Hope

Meet April Macak and her son Nathan. Nathan is a very active, energetic, and loving 8-year-old boy who loves to play basketball with his cousins every chance he gets. His mom April talks with us about the importance of blood donations, you see without blood donations Nathan wouldn’t be here. Nathan has a rare blood genetic disorder requiring him to have monthly blood transfusions for the rest of his life. April is an active mother and a spoke person for Vitalant, about the importance of your blood donations and how it truly saves lives.

Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group

Your global creative agency, based in downtown Chandler, Arizona

Meet Mia Johnson, she openly shares the details and journey of her life having been born to a drug-addicted and alcoholic mother, placed in foster care with her brother at 1 1/2 yrs old, lived in numerous foster homes, sexually abused by her brother and her brother-in-law, became a juvenile delinquent, running away, did drugs, homeless at 16 and was looking for love in all the wrong places, until one day she decided to go to Job Corp and change her life. Her story is one of resilience overcoming the hardships and the hand dealt to her by turning her pain into power!

Early morning in December 2018, Julie’s mom Darleen, was in a house fire that burned 83% of her body with 2nd & 3rd-degree burns. Unfortunately, after 106 days and 24 surgeries later, Darleen unfortunately passed away due to a blood infection on March 31st, 2019. Julie found a way to help people who have been changed by the fire with her organization. Not just the survivors but the caregivers too. Her programs include assistance with mental health challenges, depression, anxiety, PTSD, body image struggles, insomnia, and so much more. www.ChangedByFire.org Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Arizona

Meet Scott Stowers, he is a member of the Board of Directors with Arizona Adaptive Water Sports an Arizona 501(c)(3), as well as the volunteer coordinator and has been volunteering with AZ Adaptive Water Sports for 19 years. Vision: For anyone with a disability to have access to get on the water and embrace the freedom and adventures that await. A Faith-based organization that serves in the healing ministry of Christ. Studio: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Az. AzAdaptiveWaterSports.org

Imagine being told your son has a 10% chance of survival and if he does he will never function on his own.
Meet Daniel Fulton and his mom Kathy Fulton. Daniel is a TBI survivor and his mother is his caregiver. Daniel survived a tragic impact when he hit a tree on his snowboard. His journey to recovery was long and not easy. He was in a coma for a month and a half, in hospital for 3 months, and many days in therapy to learn how to walk, talk, swallow, and function again.
Living life to the fullest and with determination.

Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, AZ

"Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24". Meet Francine, she is the founder of an Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit that is more than a resource for mental illness. Francine is an advocate and a voice for all walks of life, because of the legacy she carries on through her son Zack. Francine’s life suddenly changed when her son Zack was misdiagnosed and unfortunately passed away at the age of 16. His kind heart, entrepreneurial mindset, and love for animals and people keep Francine’s heart comforted as she helps others who struggle with mental illness. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, AZ

Meet Erin Powell, she is a survivor of 6 spinal tumors, and a brain tumor and has lost over 125 pounds. Her journey leads her down a dark path of depression and overeating getting to the weight of 298 pounds. Studio Sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group

Your global creative agency is based in downtown Chandler, AZ.

Meet, Jax and her mother Angel Vargas Fuchs, (Girl With a Curve).

The journey of living with Scoliosis Jax is a very active, positive, and outgoing 10-year-old, a passionate performer, dancer, community actress, and award-winning vocalist. The day before Thanksgiving 2022, Jax was officially diagnosed with Scoliosis.

Follow Jax’s journey on Instagram: @girl_with_a_curve

“Serving Those Who Served”  Meet Jennifer Z Gewarges, the Executive Director for U.S. Vets -Phoenix (United States Veterans Initiative), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization helping our veterans get back on their feet in the safe place they call home. 

US Vets-Phoenix provides multiple programs helping our veterans with education, job training/placement, learning basic survival skills, helping assist in identifying their personal triggers, PTSD, sexual trauma, and more.  

www.usvets.org/phoenix 

Email: Jgewarges@usvets.org 

Studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group

                             Your local global creative agency based in downtown Chandler, Az

Meet Victor Jakpor, the executive director and founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Mission Africa Project.  

Victor grew up in a small town called Sapele in Nigeria. Education, clean running water, and textbooks for school are a challenge for the children to attend school. Victor Jakpor found a way to help with these needs by founding Mission Africa Project. 

Mission: To empower people and transform communities. 

 Contact: jakpor2020@gmail.com        MissionAfricaProject.com

Meet Ashlee and Michael Cramer, son/mother podcasters who talk about Cancer.

Michael is a 21-year-old cancer survivor, bone marrow transplant recipient, social media influencer, and motivational hero who was diagnosed with an insanely rare and aggressive cancer, Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma.  There are only 200 cases documented and Michael has beat the odds.

This duo talks about cancer and shares his journey of recovery on a level that will make you laugh, smile, and be inspired!

Follow on Instagram:  MichaelReidCramer

Ashlee_cramer

Meet Kiamesha Guy a US Veteran and founder of Quiet Waters -Global Maternal Wellness Center in Chandler, Az. A 501(c)3.

Mission: Support & provide Veteran families with funding for Maternal and Women’s healthcare & benefits; host family activities for disabled & non-disabled women veterans & active duty women of the United States Armed Forces and their dependents.

Contact@GlobalMaternalWellness.org

Meet Herbert Washington who is with the Phoenix Boys Choir. Herbert opens up about his childhood and how his life changed in a way he couldn't imagine being the path of his destiny and his childhood dream. 

Herbert's childhood wasn’t ideal from a child’s eyes. He never met his father or older brother. His mother had schizophrenia. At 7, he was taken out of South Phoenix by child welfare services and sent to live in foster care for several months before living with his aunt, uncle, and cousin in Tempe. It wasn’t ideal yet again and his life rapidly changed yet again when he was kicked out at 14 and taken into the home of a friend's family and found his security and felt safe to be different in chasing a dream and talent with his gift of singing and performing.

Contact: Herbert.Washington@BoysChoir.org

Kerry Schulman, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona.

Kerry talks about the programs, and families share a couple of stories to give a better understanding of what families experience while staying at the Ronald McDonald House, as well talks about how the staff and medical teams and other community collaborations make the experience a comforting and safe one for the families without worry.

She says they don’t say no, but rather “Let’s figure this out”.

Mission Statement: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona is a welcoming “home away from home “ for families with children facing medical challenges, providing an atmosphere of comfort, Hope, and courage.

After learning that the shortcomings of the 911 system may have cost her husband Bob's life on the day he collapsed and died of a heart attack, Sherry Herzing vowed to make a difference. Dedicating herself to protecting others in rural communities from the risks that contributed to her husband's death, Sherry founded the Lake Gaston 911 Community Task Force in January 2019, rallied a strong force of volunteers, and quickly spread potentially lifesaving information throughout the community. 

Studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, AZ 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Business sponsor: RENCO roofing, a family-owned and operated company founded in 2004 on the guiding principle of delivering superior roofing service. They are dedicated to quality and customer service and can help you with residential and commercial roofing needs, with a focus on HOA and Mulit-housing.

Brandi@RENCOroofing.com    offrice 602-867-9386

Michelle Mann was hit head-on by a drunk driver at an estimated speed of 100 mph. Her struggle and journey from darkness into the light will inspire you.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Thank you to my studio sponsor The Motivated Mind Group, a local-global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, Az.  

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

LeAnnHull knows the journey of grief and loss but doesn’t live within the pain, but rather the joy and love of the memories and lives of her husband, mother, son-in-law, and her son Andy.

The beginning of her grief journey was when she tragically lost her 16-year-old son Andy to Suicide which lead her to found the non-profit, Andy Hulls Sunshine Foundation, where she helps others with the “You Matter” approach.

Thank you to my studio sponsor, The Motivated Mind Group, A global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, AZ 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Doug Kenney is on the autism spectrum, has type 2 bipolar, and talks about being 310 pounds and being bullied.

Doug’s journey/story with his “different” ability and bullying turned into a self-discovery and successful YouTube channel  RURentlessAndUnstoppable?

Doug’s love for the race car circuit has given him some amazing experiences and interviews with some of the most well-known race car drivers.

Check out his YouTube channel to see what amazing things he is doing to inspire and be inspired by his guests.

Thank you to my studio sponsor The Motivated Mind Group, A global creative agency, located in downtown Chandler, AZ. 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/Doug 

Behind the scene with Abby Traylor. Abby is 21 and has struggled with MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). She openly talks about her struggle, and the several failed suicide attempts, and explains what ”cutting” is and why. On her journey, she has found God to be her strength and has realized she is meant for more. 

No one should feel alone, please be a shoulder, friend, and ear. Not always everyone needs you to fix the problem but to listen. 

Thank you to my studio sponsor The Motivated Mind Group, located in downtown Chandler, Az

Meet Lauren Stivison, 2009 Lauren was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer and in 2021 with tongue cancer. Lauren brings an entirely new understanding and appreciation of being able to breathe.

Lauren underwent several surgeries, one removed the tumor on her epiglottis and she went through aggressive chemo and radiation. During her treatments, her airway closed and she had to have a trach placed. Unfortunately, the scar tissue continued to come back, damaging the muscles that allow her to swallow.

Lauren is very strong in her Faith in God and has Hope there will be a day the hole in her throat will close for her to be “normal” to be able to eat, drink and talk normally without having to place her thumb over the opening in her neck.

She has incredible strength and determination about her and what she is doing with it will inspire you.

Thank you to my studio sponsor, The Motivated Mind Group, located in downtown Chandler, AZ

Your Global Creative Agency

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Brock Bevell is a retired Police Officer who was run over on duty and ultimately retired from injury.

The injuries caused him to endure numerous knee surgeries and constant rehabilitation. To deal with the pain, he was prescribed Opioids.

It was at this time, that Brock’s addiction took control of his emotions and he began to spin out of control, and he proceeded to self-medicate.

This is Brock’s story of recovery and founding a safe counseling facility for individuals on this journey to and of recovery.

Thank you to my studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, AZ 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Do you have a story to help, heal, inspire or give HOPE? A non-profit making a difference in your community? Would like to be a sponsor?

Email: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Hi, I'm Christine Hotchkiss, the inspiration and host of Stories of Hope. I had a vision in 2015 but didn't know what to do with it, then sitting on a street curb I decided to make the idea come to life in 2019. With such great success with people wanting to share their personal stories and journeys of their lives to help heal, educate, inspire and give hope to others, I make it possible each week with your assistance and support. Today I am the guest on my own show and my dear friend Christine Ellis leads the interview.

With you and your story, you can share light in the darkness of someone else's a similar journey 

Thank you for your support. 

Have a story of hope, want to be a sponsor? Email: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Thank you to my studio sponsor, The Motivated Mind Group, a global creative agency, located in downtown Chandler, AZ 

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Jazrome Coulter, Kidney Advocate, Kidney Disease Warrior, and comedian. 

Jazrome is a 6-year dialysis and recent recipient of a kidney transplant. His donor gave the gift of life on many levels. In May 2015 Jazrome was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure, due to poor lifestyle choices, and lack of information, his kidneys failed a year later. His story, outlook on life, leadership, advocacy, and his career as a comedian through his journey will Inspire you!

Thank you to my studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency located in downtown Chandler, Arizona

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Everyone has a story that can help, heal, inspire and give Hope. Are you one of them who would like to share your story? 

Want to be a sponsor? Email: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Eyes Upon Waking is inspired by a true story about one woman’s struggle to come to terms with her own existence. This project is about the disease of suicide and how it is misunderstood by society. This film uncovers the darkness in the minds of those who suffer from their emotions yet shows how light can be found with the right kind of help. Those who are lost to us cannot be returned. I wanted to bring awareness of what they went through to those they've left behind.  It is for any person with a friend or family member who has taken their own life and is left asking why.

Thank you to my studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group, your global creative agency located in downtown Chandler AZ

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Thank you to my Episode Sponsor: My Source Media

https://www.mysourcemedia.com/

Have a story, are a nonprofit organization making a difference in your community or want to be a sponsor?

Email: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

"It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men" - Fredrick Douglass

No boy dreams of a life in prison. Of dysfunctional relationships and social disconnection. Fatherless teenage boys have a higher-than-average risk of participating in crime, dropping out of school, and entering the prison system before age 18.

Boys to Men Mentoring Greater Phoenix is 1 in 14 centers in the US, its model helps adolescent boys (middle to high school) find the inner resources to navigate their lives successfully.

Thank you to my studio sponsor The Motivated Mind Group
(Your global creative agency, located in downtown Chandler, Arizona)
Thank you to today's episode sponsor: Where U Bean Coffee
(A local Phoenix laidback coffeehouse with hot and cold beverages, baked goods, and an expresso bar)

Website: BoysToMenPhoenix.org

Email: Info@BoysToMenPhoenix.org

Have a story or want to sponsor, email me.  Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

In 2016, at age 24 years old, Matt was getting minor back pains then other pains began getting worse and worse to the where he wasn't able to walk. He was rushed to the Cleveland Ohio Clinic to do emergency testing after doctors found an 11-centimeter tumor in his small intestines, found to be cancerous and spreading quickly. His journey was far from easy and difficult to be vulnerable in expressing how he truly felt. Matt learned to be vulnerable and be ok with not being ok to cope and heal. Today he is a motivational speaker helping men learn to be more vulnerable with their emotions and sharing his journey of overcoming stage 4 cancer. 

Thank you to my studio sponsor: The Motivated Mind Group in Downtown Chandler, AZ

https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Contact Matt Ode: Mao@MattOdeSpeaks.com

If you would like to be a sponsor or have a story, email: 

Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Where do you turn for help, when you are dying and the doctors can't figure out why you are so sick? Mary Lyn Hammer and her daughter Elizabeth and countless others, Lyme disease was hard to diagnose and even harder to cure.  To chronicle her journey, Mary Lyn wrote more than a memoir about her experience with the disease, "Over My Dead Body" compiled her struggles what worked for her healing, and the mountains of information she gathered about Lyme disease. 

Thank you to my studio sponsor; 

 https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

If you have a story or know someone who has a story you feel needs to be heard, or want to be a sponsor, please email me: 

Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Dorah is 29, a young professional from Uganda, East Africa. Having spent her life living with HIV, she offers a powerful message of Hope, Strength, and Determination, rooted in Faith. Dorah was born with HIV and shortly after her birth, she lost her parents to HIV, making her an orphan at a very young age. Her story will not educate you but also inspire you.

As an activist and researcher, she also speaks to the labyrinth of issues related to HIV/AIDS, modern Africa, the development of medical research, and a woman as global citizens. 

To learn more about HIV/AIDS or assist her in her research, you can email her. 

Dorah@AidChild.org

If you have a story you want to share, have a non-profit making a difference in your community or would like to be a show/episode sponsor, please email me.

Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Lily was diagnosed at the age of 3 with high acute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in December 2017. Lily spent just over a month
Banner Children's @ Desert fighting to become stable in order to begin her outpatient treatment programs. A program she would undergo for the next two and a half years. 

 I sit down with Lily's the VP of Inspiration and her dad Brad Taylor,  Co-Founder and President of Lily's Pad AZ, an Arizona non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a play space for Immuno compromised kids to play and be kids. 

Lily is more than an inspiration to her peers and other children but a child inspiration to all ages. 

Thank you to my Studio sponsor: https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Thank you to my episode sponsor: https://certapro.com/phoenix/

Do you have a story needing to be shared or want to be a sponsor? Email me: Stories@ChristineHotchkiss.com

Lynn talks about her journey of being a breast cancer survivor. In her season of healing, she wrote the book Under a Desert Sky: Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places. Lynne is also a contributing author to nine books with Guideposts Publications and is the creator of Adventure Trackers, an online community for those who like to get outside and experience the beauty of God’s creation. As a story coach, she helps others share their valuable stories through the workshop, Legacy Story Circle.