Stories of Hope AZ

Improv Comedy Coach & Business Humor Consultant - Sean ”Hoylarious” Hoy

Meet Sean “Hoylarious” Hoy! He is an Improv Comedy Coach & Business Humor Consultant whose mission is to help people of all levels and ages to exercise their creative muscles, funny bones & cognitive skills while embracing their “uniqueness”. Sean’s life wasn’t easy, he has struggled with addiction, and anxiety and was diagnosed with ADHD. Through his journey of becoming the best version of himself, he discovered his passion and purpose of laughter, comedy, and kindness. Hoylarious.com Sean@hoylarious.com

 

^{May 3, 2023}

Life Long Blood Donation Recipient - April Macak & her son Nathan

Meet April Macak and her son Nathan. April talks with us about the importance of blood donations. Nathan has a rare blood genetic disorder requiring him to have monthly blood transfusions for the rest of his life. Because of you, blood saves lives.

A story of resilience and overcoming hardship - Mia Johnson

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!

 

^{Apr 24, 2023}

Mental Health Awareness with Semicolon Society Founder - Paula McCall

Let’s talk mental health. With so many things that have changed in our society in the past couple of years, we need to talk about it and help individuals, parents, and our communities. Meet Dr. Paula McCall the founder of the Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Semicolon Society. Mission: Semicolon Society provides free mental health education and events to the community, with an emphasis on. Suicide prevention and support. https://semicolonsociety.org/

 

^{Apr 20, 2023}

Changed By Fire with Julie Piccione

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

Arizona Adaptive Water Sports - Scott Stowers

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

TBI survivor from Tragic Snowboard Impact- Daniel & Kathy Fulton

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.
^{Apr 11, 2023}

Teen Suicide Awareness - Francine Sumner

"Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-24". 

Meet Francine Sumner, 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. 

Her programs are in schools and surrounding communities of Arizona.
^{Apr 5, 2023}