By The Survivors Club Staff
February 8, 2010

Three years ago, Elizabeth James was driving her Toyota Prius near Idaho Springs when the car started to accelerate, and applying the brakes failed to slow it down. The car swerved uncontrollably, flipped three times and landed down an embankment in a nearby creek, seriously injuring the woman.

Her husband Ted told 9 News from Colorado, that "the investigators told me they don't know how Elizabeth survived it. It is amazing she didn't die."

Ted James has spent the last three years trying to alert Toyota to the safety issue but he was unsuccessful, according to the news provider. Now, he hopes to be able to testify at the congressional hearings on the recent Toyota vehicle recall and help get to the bottom of the problem.

Although Elizabeth James' accident was due to a malfunctioning vehicle, most car crashes occur as a result of careless driving. That is why experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.

In addition, passengers should always wear seat belts as they have been proven to save lives.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication in 2008.

Survivors and their families may access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 5, 2010

Jennie Garth is best known for her role in the TV show Beverly Hills 90210, but for years the actress has fought a private battle with heart disease. This month, Garth is partnering with the American Heart Association to launch a new awareness campaign in hope of saving more lives.

On February 5, Garth, who serves as a Go Red For Women spokesperson, will kick off a national casting call at Macy's Herald Square in New York City. The organization is looking for women to share their stories and the choices they make to live a heart-healthy lifestyle in order to empower others by example.

"After learning of my own heart condition and losing my father to heart disease, I know how important it is to speak up about this silent killer," the actress said.

She added that as so many women remain unaware, "we must spread the word to our friends, family and community about how to make the right choices every day."

The Centers for Disease Control says heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and it killed 652,091 Americans in 2005.

Although some cases are hereditary, it is possible to modify one's lifestyle to reduce the risk and live a full, thriving life. In fact, physical exercise and a diet rich in fresh produce and low in red meats have been shown to bring heart health benefits.

Interested individuals may donate to the American Heart Association. This and other organizations also offer valuable information and resources for survivors and their families.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 5, 2010

At the age of 17, Meghan Rothschild started visiting tanning salons to darken her fair skin and "look like everyone else." She used tanning beds once a week for two and a half years, and then came the devastating diagnosis.

Aged only 20, Rothschild was diagnosed with stage II melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Although she is now cured and thriving, she has to watch every mole and undergo regular screenings, according to her profile on the website of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

She has also inspired young people, such as college freshman Jillian Saley, to take the no-tanning pledge to stay out of tanning beds for proms and Spring Break.

"I want people to understand how serious skin cancer is. I had drainage tubes in me. I couldn't lift anything over 20 pounds for six months," she said, quoted by the news provider.

"Make sure you see a dermatologist if you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin," she added.

ADD warns that more than 1 million Americans are diagnosed and 11,000 die each year of skin cancer, although it has a cure rate of 99 percent.

As prevention is the best way to minimize the risk, everyone, but especially those with fair skin and who burn easily, are advised to wear sunscreen or protective clothing while outdoors and limit the amount of time they spend sunbathing.

Other educational and informational resources available to survivors include those offered by the National Cancer Institute and the Skin Cancer Foundation.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 5, 2010

Eight years ago, Wendy Purcell and her 5-year-old daughter were on their way back home from Easter play practice when their car was struck head-on by a drunken driver. Both suffered serious injuries, and Purcell has undergone a total of 12 surgeries, although she still has trouble walking and bending over.

However, despite the physical limitations, the Georgia woman appeared in front of a panel of mostly DUI offenders just months after the accident to share her story in hopes of preventing future tragedies, according to Savannah Morning News.

"It's hard - I have spoken the second Thursday of every month for the last [seven and a half] years," Purcell told the news provider, adding that she was doing this because "I don't want to find more victims."

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy organization that accepts donations, about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in car accidents caused by intoxication.

Experts say those who have sat behind the wheel while drunk should seek counseling. Meanwhile, partygoers who consume alcohol should designate one person who does not drink as a driver or use alternative means of transportation such as a taxi or bus.

It is possible for survivors and their families to thrive again after a traumatic accident, and resources such as the Crash Survivors Network may be able to provide valuable assistance.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 4, 2010

Although he is an American citizen, 11-year-old Michael Bazelias was living in Haiti when an earthquake struck the island on January 12, killing an estimated 200,000 people. The disaster left his family without food or water for two days, and they had to sleep outside for fear of further tremors, according to FloridaToday.com.

However, soon thereafter Michael was able to join his mother in Palm Bay, Florida. He is now enrolled in school and trying to live a thriving life despite the tragedy he witnessed just a few weeks ago.

His teacher Kathy Paulson said the sixth grader is still dealing with the trauma, but he already has friends who help him learn English, invite him to lunch together and help him get home from the bus stop.

"He has kids looking out for him," she said, quoted by the news provider. "When he's ready to talk about home, I'm sure he will."

Though not the most seismically active region in the world, the U.S. can also suffer from earthquakes, which have killed approximately 4,000 Americans since 1811, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Center for Earthquake Research and Information at the University of Memphis says residents of quake-prone zones should anchor heavy objects, such as bookcases, mirrors or cabinets, to walls, and never place them over beds.

When a tremor begins, it is best to crouch under a desk or table, or stand in a stout doorway, away from windows. Those who are outdoors should stay away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines. If on the road, it is important to drive away from underpasses and overpasses, stop in a safe area and stay inside the vehicle.

Individuals who would like to support victims of the Haiti quake can donate to the Red Cross or UNICEF.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 4, 2010

Wisconsin teenager Amanda Momberg began suffering from epileptic seizures when she was 8 years old, and they increased in intensity when she was 16, as her medication stopped working.

Desperate to stop the more than 60 attacks a day, her doctors decided to try magnetoencephalography (MEG), an imaging technique that tracks brain changes instantaneously, rather than with a second or more delay provided by standard MRI, according to ABC News.

The approach turned out to be a great idea, as it helped to identify the precise location of the abnormality, allowing doctors to surgically remove the affected tissue.

The teenager, who just graduated from high school, told the news provider that she is now seizure-free, and thriving as she prepares for a career as a preschool teacher.

"School was always questionable for me when I was younger," she told ABC, adding that "now I just feel so much more confident."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, epilepsy affects an estimated 2.5 million people in the U.S. and about 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Since the cause of the disorder is often not clear, it generally is not possible to prevent it. However, WebMD.com, a medical information website, says head injuries can induce seizures so it is important to always wear seat belts in the car and a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, skiing, skating or horseback riding.

Survivors and their families can access valuable resources through the website of the Epilepsy Foundation that also accepts donations.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 3, 2010

Omaha wife and mother Dorothy McLean recently lived through a terrifying ordeal when her house caught fire when she was alone and she found herself trapped in the basement, unable to escape.

Fortunately, firefighters were able to break down the door in time to rescue the 82-year-old, although her beloved dog Shelly did not survive, according to ActionNews.com.

In the days since the accident, McLean's husband Motto has tried to cheer his wife up, telling her that "you're not taking the easy way out of this marriage, I'm not done with you yet," quoted by the news provider.

After she was released from hospital, the firefighters who rescued McLean brought her flowers.

"I told them, I can't tell you enough how much you mean to me," she said, according to KPTM News, "I respect them more than ever."

The Centers for Disease Control says home fires killed 2,580 people and injured another 12,925 (not including firefighters) in the U.S. in 2006.

However, many tragedies can be avoided if smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are properly installed.

The Office of Emergency Management says that during a fire emergency, it is important to crawl low in smoke towards the nearest exit covering the mouth with a cloth and once outside never go back. Moreover, tall buildings should be evacuated via stairs not elevators.

When smoke is spotted, it is crucial to leave the property first and then dial 911 as most people die from smoke inhalation and not from flames.

As many fires start in the kitchen, it is good practice to keep combustible items away from the cooking area, and use a fire extinguisher or a lid, rather than water, to put out a grease fire.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 3, 2010

Young New Zealand resident Lydia Ward was playing with her brother in the water off Oreti Beach when she was suddenly attacked by a shark that grabbed her hip.

Amazingly, the 14-year-old kept her wits about her and managed to fight off the big fish by hitting it on the head with a body board. In the end, she only suffered superficial bites and did not even require stitches, according to the Huffington Post.

Ward later told reporters from National Radio that her quick reaction was prompted by an account she had read of a surfer who chased a shark away with her board. "That's what she did, and that's what you're meant to do," she said, quoted by the news provider.

Though not as frequent as in Australia and New Zealand, shark attacks have also occurred in the U.S. In fact, data from the University of Florida suggest that between 1916 and 2008, a total of 100 people have been attacked by sharks, and 12 died, in American coastal waters.

Experts from the university's Museum of Natural History suggest that staying in groups, avoiding swimming after dark and far from the shore can minimize the risk of being attacked.

Moreover, individuals who are bleeding should refrain from entering waters where the predators might be present. The experts also recommend taking off shiny jewelry that sharks may mistake for fish scales. Similarly, excessive splashing can lead a shark to mistake a swimmer for an injured animal and attack.

Survivors and their families may access valuable information that can help them thrive in the wake of a predator attack on the Trauma Resource Institute's website.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 3, 2010

A 40-year-old nature lover walked on the ice covering the North Sea near St. Peter-Ording in Germany to photograph the sunset but became lost as the night fell. The adventure may have ended tragically had it not been for a woman watching the same shore on her webcam.

The disoriented man - who was in danger of freezing to death or falling through the ice - demonstrated true creativity and a survivor spirit when he used his camera to send a series of flashes that allowed the woman sitting in front of her computer 350 miles away to notice him and contact police for help, according to media reports.

"He was very lucky that this lady was sharing the same natural phenomenon from the warmth and safety of her own home," said local police spokeswoman Kristin Stielow, quoted by the Daily Mail.

The German tourist's story contains a valuable lesson in survival, as experts stress the importance of proper equipment, including a compass, for those who set out to explore unfamiliar regions. Moreover, warm clothing, especially during winter months, and a supply of food and water are critical.

In addition, the police spokeswoman suggested that frozen coastal waters pose a serious risk of disorientation after dark as the snow and ice-covered land becomes hard to distinguish, and she cautioned against the impulse of watching spectacular sunsets from over frozen water.

By The Survivors Club Staff
February 2, 2010

Otto Lee, a Sunnyvale city councilman and Navy reservist, spent most of 2009 in Iraq where he survived a rocket attack that was launched by insurgents about 90 feet from his barracks. Now back with his family in California, Lee is working on reopening his law practice and preparing to return to Sunnyvale City Hall, according to Mercury News.

The 42-year-old recalled the challenging deployment to Camp Liberty in Baghdad, saying he and fellow soldiers worked 60 to 100 hours a week on the "draw down" of forces ordered by President Obama.

"It was hard on the body and a lot of stress, and that's not counting the bombs and rockets coming at you," he told the news provider.

However, Lee does not regret the experience and says he is inspired by his grandfather, a naval veteran who served at sea during World War II. He also told Mercury News that his priority in Sunnyvale will be to revitalize the downtown and help turn it into a popular place to visit and shop.

There are still more than 100,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, and 978 American soldiers have lost their lives there since 2001, according to iCasualties.org.

Among the many resources that can help assault survivors live thriving lives is the Trauma Resource Institute, which also accepts donations.