By The Survivors Club Staff
June 21st, 2010

David Ruffley was standing at Victoria Station in London when he suddenly jumped towards an oncoming train, according to the Gaea Times. Ruffley, a British member of Parliament, somehow missed the train completely.

Ruffley landed on the rails and the train passed over him. When it stopped and slowly backed up, Ruffley was unscathed. "One minute he was standing on the platform and then jumped in front of a train... he missed death by a few inches and landed just away from the live electric trail," one witness told the newspaper.

Emergency workers rushed to the scene and managed to haul Ruffley back onto the platform. He was taken to the hospital and treated for minor cuts and bruises.

The British Transport Police decided that the fall wasn't an accident. One source said that the jump seemed to be a "half-hearted" attempt at suicide.

In the United States, more than 33,000 people commit suicide each year and it is the fourth highest cause of the death for adults aged 18 to 65, states the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.

The World Health Organization has estimated that, each year, one million people worldwide die from suicide and the rate has risen by 60% in the last half-century.

Experts say that primary symptoms of suicide are similar to those of depression - insomnia or oversleeping, loss of interest in activities, constant crying or feelings of worthlessness.

The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention is an organization founded in order to provide people contemplating suicide with a community resource, hotlines and warning signs.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 18, 2010

In 2008, Carolyn Beauchamp was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. Now, she's survived the journey and has just completed the Canadian Cancer Relay for Life, reports the Western Wheel.

The relay had 100 participants who walked for 12 hours around the track at a nearby recreation center. Last year's relay events raised $51 million for cancer research worldwide.

"Cancer has really changed my life, definitely for the better," Beauchamp told the news provider.

When she first discovered the lump, Beauchamp couldn't stop crying and had intense feelings of guilt. Now, she says she's closer than ever with her husband and two children, and much more compassionate than she was before the diagnosis.

The relay was a chance for Beauchamp to give back and also talk with fellow survivors and current patients. She said that she appreciated meeting people who were just "starting their journey," because it gave her a chance to give them the power and support of her own story.

Each year, almost 200,00 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and around 40,000 will die from the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Doctors highly recommend annual mammograms for women over age 40. They also advise all women to conduct self-examinations at least once a month, because catching breast cancer early is the best way to survive it.

Healthy living - through diet and exercise- is one of the chief ways to prevent cancers of all kinds.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society both work to help cancer patients and survivors thrive during and after the disease. Both institutions accept donations.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 18, 2010

Michael Deglinnocenti was hiking with some friends when it started to get dark out. The group walked off a trail of Chicago's Starved Rock State Park and started drinking at an area called Hidden Canyon, according to the Sun Times.

Deglinnocenti stumbled out to the edge of the cliff to relieve himself and fell all the way "to the bottom of the canyon," said Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chris Mcloud to the Sun Times.

The drop was 60 feet and Deglinnocenti was rushed to the Illinois Valley Community Hospital before being flown by helicopter to St Francis Medical Center, the news source reports. While in stable condition, Deglinnocenti and a friend, Caleb Peterson, were cited for leaving a marked trail and Peterson was given a ticket for underage drinking.

DrugWarFacts.org estimates that 85,000 Americans die each year from alcohol-related causes and The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that over one-third of all unintentional injuries to Americans are results of intoxication.

Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and the second most common cause of fatal injuries, with alcohol being the cause of nearly half these injuries, according to BookRag.com

The American Academy of Family Physicians is a leading resource for people looking to overcome alcohol addiction. They provide information on the condition, as well as a way to diagnosis yourself and different guidelines for treatment.

By the Survivors Club Staff
June 18, 2010

Aaron Gilmore was sexually abused when he was 12 years old, but when he went to the authorirties they were slow to act, reports NzHerlad.co.nz.

Gilmore, now 31, is a performer on Dancing With the Stars, and will be lending his voice to New Zealand's first sexual abuse summit, speaking out on behalf of all survivors.

His abuser was the mother of two children he attended dance classes with. She was sentenced to five years in jail in 2003.

Gilmore told the news source that he did not work up the courage to tell his parents about the abuse until almost a decade after it had started. He believes that many boys are scared to speak up about it.

"My personal opinion is that it's much more common than we realize," he to the news provider.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. The organization also estimates that over 248,000 individuals were sexually assaulted in 2007.

RAINN is a great resource for survivors of sexual abuse, offering information for seeking treatment like therapy, and also providing sources to locate local support groups and contacting other survivors.

By the Survivors Club Staff
June 18, 2010

Chantelle Ryan was 14 months old when her home caught fire and she was trapped by a falling ceiling tile. She was left badly burned, but survived that horrific ordeal and is now ready to pursue her dreams, The Burnley Express reports.

Over 24 percent of her body had been burned and she also had lung damage because of the smoke. Miraculously she pulled through and has blossomed into a normal teenager.

She is now 14 years old and has a positive outlook on life.

"I see myself going to college and university. I really love children and babies, I've wanted to be a midwife since I was three," she told the news source.

She may still get odd looks from people, but she takes it in stride and doesn't let them bother her.

"When I get on the bus some people call me names because of the scars on my face but they need to get over themselves," she said to the news provider.

According to the American Burn Association, an estimated 500,000 people seek treatment for burn injuries and about 4,000 die from them each year in the U.S. The organization offers resources that can help fire survivors thrive.

Some every day activities can cause burn injuries. WebMD.com warns against smoking in bed and suggests placing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers throughout the home, especially in the kitchen, bedrooms and near fireplaces and stoves.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 17, 2010

Camille McCracken is only 24 years old but has survived breast cancer twice. She was recently honored by her community and given a day where her wildest wishes were granted, The Florida Times-Union reports.

McCracken was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, and had gone into remission after several months of intense chemotherapy, but a little more than a year later the cancer returned.

"I had to choose whether to be positive, especially since I didn't believe this was happening to me at first," she told the news source.

McCracken has survived her battle with breast cancer, and was treated to day of relaxation and joy.

Through the work of two organizations, Experience Genie and Smart Box, she was able to take a day and not think about cancer.

She was chauffered around in a convertible Audi for the day, had a tour of the football stadium of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was given fencing lessons and some down time at a spa. She was also put up in a luxury hotel room for the night.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

The organization recommends that women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination conducted as a part of their regular exam at least once every three years. Breast self-exams are also highly recommended for women in their 20s.

The ACS is an excellent source for individuals currently battling breast cancer as well as survivors of the disease and their families. They offer tips on prevention and early detection, and also include information about treatment and support.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 17, 2010

Ann Moulds had been stalked and harassed for four years by someone she thought was a close friend. After that man had been given community service and probation as a punishment for his crimes, Moulds felt there needed to be a change in the laws, so she did something about it, The Ayrshire Post reports.

Moulds resides in Scotland, and there is a loophole in Scottish law that allows stalkers not to be convicted of stalking, but of committing a breach of peace, the news provider reports. After over a year of work, Moulds has ensured that stalking is a legal offense in its own right.

Her campaign to get the law changed has been honored as Campaign of the Year by Scottish Charity Awards.

"Our immense thanks and gratitude go to all those involved in driving the campaign forward and bringing the serious crime of stalking to the attention of Scotland's decision makers," she said at the awards ceremony.

The National Center for Victims of Crime's Stalking Resource Center provides an abundant source of information for those who wish to thrive after experiences with stalkers.

According to the Stalking Resource Center, 3.4 million individuals ages 18 and over are stalked every year in the United States. They also state that three in four stalking victims know their stalker.

The organization has a list of the current stalking laws in each state as well as federal statutes. They also provide a stalking safety plan that lists tips on safety and prevention.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 17, 2010

When Norman Ollestad was 11, he boarded a small plane with his father, father's girlfriend, and the pilot. The plane flew into a mountain during a blizzard and Ollestad had to scramble down the mountain for nine hours, leaving him as the only one to survive, according to his article on the Huffington Post.

Now, as a father, he went to the island of Carenero to surf with his son, Noah. Noah was feeling worthless because of his school experiences and Ollestad thought the getaway would cheer him up.

When Ollestad took his son out on their boards, a huge wave overtook them as soon as they were in the water. Back on the shore, Noah said that now he really hated surfing.

The next day, Ollestand wanted to surf again but found his son fishing with locals. For the rest of the vacation, Noah spent his time fishing and riding small waves with the other boys.

Ollestad at first thought the trip was a failure because he didn't get Noah to confront his fears, but then he realized, "Noah carved out his own path, finding that transcendent shot of self-esteem I thought only possible from surfing."

Noah faced adjustment issues at school with bullies, grades and friends. Although his trip with his father helped him become more confident in himself, Analysts say that many young children face similar difficulties in school.

HardyBrainTraining.com is a resource for children and parents of children who face difficulty in the classroom setting.

BullyOnline.org is a website with resources and advice on how to deal with different social behaviors in school.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 17, 2010

Things were going smoothly for Simona De Silvestro. She had put on an impressive performance during the Indy 500, so the Firestone 550K race was supposed to be even better, according to F1Sa.com.

Silvestro sped along the 1.5 mile track with precision, managing to stay with the top 20 racers.

Then, on lap 99 out of 238, the Stargate Resistance machine jolted out of place and got loose, which made the rear of the car fishtail and slide. It hit the wall and slid alongside the track, catching fire and spinning out of control, the news source states.

Luckily, Silvestro only suffered a burn on her right hand. “Now I know what a loose car feels like,” she said after the accident.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, over 20 people have died in NASCAR races since 1952, with a great many other drivers being injured from accidents.

FOX Sports reports that NASCAR driving has become much safer due to the message of these accidents, installing safety siding on the walls, requiring fire-proof suits and head restraints for drivers, and ensuring the protection of the fans from cars rolling off the track.

Burnsurvivor.com is a resource for anyone involved in burns or accidents related with fire, offering news on treatments, listings of rehab centers, and the latest research on curing burns.

By The Survivors Club Staff
June 16, 2010

Petite pop music phenomenon Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in May 2005, and went into remission in February 2006. It has been five years since the diagnosis, but Minogue remains relatively quiet about her battle with the disease, reports The Sunday Times.

The 42-year-old dance diva has been mum on the topic of her ordeal, but the survivor is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming album, Aphrodite, in July, and is beginning to open up about her experience.

Minogue acknowledges that the breast cancer forced her to let her guard down and let people in. She also notes that after going into remission, she resumed the tour she had canceled to prove she could still be the pop star the world knew, and that she knew.

"When I think back now to going on that Homecoming Tour, I just can't believe I did that. I get upset thinking about it," she told the news source. "I wanted to know I could do what I do. Admittedly, it was in a different way."

As she closes in on her five-year clear mark, Minogue remains positive about her career and future plans to tour in 2011.

"Next year, yes," she replied when asked about touring. "At least I'm being positive and thinking at the start of next year I'll be celebrating. That's the first big mark."

According to the National Cancer Institute, over 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and over 40,000 women died of the disease.

Experts contend that early detection increases the chances of surviving cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women over the age of 40 schedule an annual mammogram and consult their physicians on topics of breast health and tips they can take to improve it. Women over 20 years of age should begin conducting breast self-exams to spot any lumps.