By The Survivors Club Staff
May 26, 2010

Craig Gibson was surfing with some friends when a bull shark latched onto his left calf, reports The Macleay Argus.

Gibson was one of 10 learner surfers in the water at the time of the attack. He had just finished riding a wave and was paddling back to shore when the shark struck.

"He punched it in the head three times but it didn't let go so he wrestled with it. The shark had a head the size of a basketball," Jim Reardon, who witnessed the attack, told the news source.

Gibson made it back to shore where he was met by a paramedic who administered first aid. He was lucky enough to walk away with only minor injuries.

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 59 unprovoked shark attacks around the globe in 2008, four of which were fatal.

The ISAF is run by the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. The organization provides current data and statistics regarding all shark-related activity that is documented around the world. They also provide recommendations on how to reduce the risk of experiencing a shark attack.

Shark Attack Survivors is an online support group for actual shark attack survivors who provide resources and assistance to other victims and their familiesand friends. They also provide firsthand accounts of their attacks and how they survived them.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 26, 2010

Jennifer Schuett was 8 years old when she was kidnapped, raped, had her throat cut and was left for dead. She has spent the last 20 years dedicated to finding her attacker, reports NBC's Today.

In 1990, Schuett was abducted from her mother's apartment by a then unknown male. She was found in a field by a group of children and was rushed to the hospital. She was told that she would never speak again because her voice box had been slashed, according to the news source. She began speaking only a few days later, refusing to let her attacker win.

Thanks to the advances in DNA technology, investigators were able to use a very small sample that was collected in 1990 to help determine who the attacker was. Luckily for the investigators and Schuett, her attacker was already listed in the FBI database for previous crimes.

Schuett has resumed her life but frequently visits the field where she was found. She had some words for her attacker and for other victims.

She wanted, "To show him how strong I am and to show other victims that no matter what obstacles you come across or how long you have to wait, that as long as you're strong and determined you can get the justice that you want," she told the news program.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that 58,000 children were abducted by a non-family member in 2002, the last year for which data is available. They also noted that 76.2 percent of abducted children are killed within three hours of their abduction.

The National Center for Victims of Crime provides several resources for victims. The organization can connect survivors with services in their area to help with their recovery process. They also help victims navigate the criminal justice process.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 26, 2010

Matt Murphy is a rising culinary star out of New Orleans with a passion for life and food. After tripping on one of his daughter's toys he felt some pain in his knee but ignored it. He ended up in the hospital two days later near death, reports NBC's Today.

Murphy had contracted necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh eating disease. The disease is extremely rare, so when he arrived at the hospital the staff had trouble figuring out what exactly was wrong with him. Luckily for Murphy there was one doctor who had previous experience with the disease.

Dr Frederic Wilson is one of the few physicians who has encountered the disease before and knew what was wrong with Murphy. Wilson said that by the time he reached Murphy he was going through organ system failure. Murphy's prognosis was bleak.

He was rushed into surgery where they cut away all of his infected tissue and put in him in a medically induced coma for six weeks.

Murphy is the only survivor of this disease that this particular hospital has encountered. They had seven previous cases but all were fatal. He has now made a full recovery and was present for the birth of his fifth daughter.

"It's a miracle," his wife Alicia told Today. "I have my wonderful husband who's healthy and here, and we're a lucky, happy family."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 500 to 1500 cases of necrotizing fasciitis diagnosed every year, and 20 percent of those who develop it will die.

The CDC provides a list of symptoms that are a precursor to the disease. Most often it is misdiagnosed because many of the symptoms are similar to those of also those of the flu.

The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation is a non profit organization founded by survivors of the disease. They provide resources for survivors and their families and are able to connect survivors to local support groups. The organization is working to raise more awareness about this rare but deadly disease.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 26, 2010

Daniel Coe barely remembers anything that occured that fateful night in December 2007. Coe and his wife, Nichola, got out of their car to help a victim of an earlier car accident when they were hit head on by another driver. Coe survived the accident, but experienced severe brain injuries. His wife lost her life as a result of the accident, reports Savannah Morning News.

Coe woke from his coma in February 2008 to discover his beloved wife had passed away. He fell into a deep depression during his recovery.

"I became depressed," he told the news source. "We all need purpose in our lives, and I had no purpose. Or, I didn't think I did."

Coe has made a significant amount of progress since those months after the accident. Although he has difficulty remembering things like dates and appointments, is moving much slower than he used to and has lost hearing in his left ear, he has found a silver lining to the ordeal.

"The positive side is I see things now I never saw in the past. Now I see the needs of people," he explained to the news provider.

Coe now works with the Brain Injury Association of Georgia and shares his experience with others recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually, and 52,000 of them will die.

The CDC also provides information for brain injury survivors and their families through the Public Health Surveillance and Prevention Program. There are 30 states in the U.S. that operate state funded programs that provide resources for local support and have been working to enhance the care of those who are suffering from injuries that may lead to disability or death.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 24, 2010

Jamie Kelly was diagnosed with leukemia in 2001 and told he had just a 15 percent chance of surviving. He has now celebrated his seventh year in remission, and continues to thrive. The birth of his twin boys keeps him going, reports The Lawrence Journal-World & News.

Kelly and his wife Shawn knew they were in for a long haul after his diagnosis, but their love for each other and determination never wavered. The birth of their twin boys, Jax and Croix, have given Kelly even more of reason to live.

"I thought I'd never want to go through that kind of stuff (treatment) again, if I ever had cancer again," he told the news source. "But now that I have these guys, I'd do whatever I have to."

Kelly underwent a bone marrow transplant and now celebrates his life with his family and his bone marrow donor. The two families have found a close friendship through the extremely tough endeavor.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), over 44,000 individuals were diagnosed with leukemia in 2009 and there were over 21,000 deaths due to the disease.

Symptoms of leukemia include pale skin, slow healing of cuts, tiredness and unexplained weight loss. Experts recommend that those who are experiencing these symptoms consult a professional. Early detection ensures a better chance of survival if the proper treatments are administered.

The ACS is an excellent resource for individuals who are diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families. The organization provides information on living with the disease and how to manage treatment. They list support groups and programs for survivors and those coping with the disease, as well as tips on embracing a healthy lifestyle.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 24, 2010

Scott Cooper was a month into his first tour of duty in Afghanistan when he stepped on a roadside bomb which resulted in the loss of his lower right leg, reports The Chronicle.

Cooper is now preparing to return to Afghanistan only six months after sustaining the life-altering injury.

Nineteen-year-old Cooper said he knew exactly what had happened when he was thrown through the air after taking one wrong step.

"I didn't want to look because I was dreading what I might see. And then I was kind of relieved because I felt and my leg was still there. Then I saw the other one had been blown clean off," he told the news provider.

He has now made nearly a full recovery and will be fitted for his third prosthetic leg, and is hoping to rejoin his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan this coming summer.

Soldiers in war zones often experience traumatic events unlike any other. Many are later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but often do not seek treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has details regarding treatment and support for those diagnosed with PTSD. Psychotherapy coupled with medication has been found to be an effective method.

The US Department of Veteran Affairs works with veterans in finding support groups and treatment for those who are suffering from PTSD.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 24, 2010

Scott Kneser has been living with a genetic heart condition that left him dependent upon countless medications. In 2005 he underwent a new procedure that eliminated his need of prescription medications and inspired him to work as that now has him off of medication and working as an advocate for cardiovascular medical research, reports Public News Service.

He recently spoke before the House Appropriations Committee asking for money to be devoted to research for heart disease and related conditions.

"The testimony I gave was my personal account of things, so it really made it easier for me to personalize the statement in asking for the funds," he told the news provider.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a nationwide organization whose goal is to battle cardiovascular diseases and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The AHA provides access to countless resources for patients and their families on all heart-related conditions. The organization provides tips on healthy living as well as information regarding support groups and charities working on behalf of those who are seeking to thrive despite their heart conditions.

Their goal is to reduce the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke by 25 percent in 2010. Through advocacy and research they hope to provide more individuals access to life saving procedures and research.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 24, 2010

After over a month of serious health issues and trips to the hospital, rock star Bret Michaels claimed the top prize on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice.

Michaels survived a near fatal brain hemorrhage in late April that had him fighting for his life. He suffered a mini-stroke only weeks later and was recently diagnosed with a hole in his heart. Through all of that, Michaels refused to give up and vowed to make it to the finale of The Celebrity Apprentice in New York City.

"Lately, it seems that me just standing up is risking my life... It's been crazy for about a month and a half. I thought I was healthy... It's been a risk, but I wanted to be here tonight," he told the audience at the live taping.

Michaels won $250,000 in the competition that will be donated to the diabetes charity of his choice.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), over 795,000 people experienced a stroke last year. In the U.S., a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

Warning signs to look out for include a sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, a severe headache with no known cause, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, dizziness, slurred speech and trouble walking.

The AHA provides countless resources for patients suffering from heart health problems, and also offers support to victims' family members. The organization provides tips on healthy living as well as information regarding support groups and charities working on behalf of those battling heart conditions.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 24, 2010

Dick Beardsley is a marathon legend. He is most famous for his showdown with Alberto Salazar in the 1982 Boston Marathon. What many do not know is that he dealt with an addiction to painkillers which he has since survived. The athlete is now inspiring others to face their own addictions, reports ROCnow.com.

After his running career ended, Beardsley was involved in a few farming and vehicle accidents which led to his addiction to pain killers. When he was caught forging a prescription, he realized he needed to make changes in his life. He entered a drug treatment program in which he learned how to manage his back pain without the aid of prescription drugs.

He now travels the country and speaks about leading a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

"You realize how good life is without all that medication floating around inside you," he told the news source.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has an extensive database on topics relating to drug addiction and abuse. They have information for addicts and their family members about overcoming addiction.

According to NIDA, one in ten high school students reported using vicodin for non-medical purposes in 2009.

Drug addiction does not go away on its own. Individuals struggling with substance abuse should seek professional help. Drug treatment and therapy can be administered at in- or out-patient rehabilitation facilities. Medication may also be prescribed to ease the process of withdrawal.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 21, 2010

Shayla Saylor faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 11. After her diagnosis, she exhibited courage beyond her years, reports the York Dispatch.

Saylor took a tumble in February 2009 which eventually lead to the discovery of a lump under her arm. Doctors eventually identified her illness and began to treat her for the condition immediately.

"I learned that you never stop fighting no matter what," she told the news provider. "You try your best, go through [treatment] day by day and never give up."

The 12-year-old is now cancer free and giving back to her community by helping to organize her local Relay for Life event sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Relay for Life is one of ACS's largest events. Last year Saylor's local Relay for Life event raise over $200,000.

The ACS estimates that there were over 65,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that resulted in the deaths of 19,500 individuals in 2009.

The ACS is an excellent resource for individuals who are diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families. The organization provides information on living with the disease and how to manage treatment. They also have a list of support groups and programs for survivors and those coping with the disease, as well as tips on embracing a healthy lifestyle.