Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1653

Tonight's special guest is Michael Reed from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. He lost both his daughters and wife to a terrible fire last year, started a campaign in honor of his wife who suffered as an adult from child abuse. He started The Reed Foundation on Facebook and a campaing petition to congress to include a "help" button for children when they are being abused to contact authorities. "My wife, Constance, suffered from horrible abuse and molestation as a child at the hands of her step father," Michael explains. "She suffered her whole adult life from bipolar disorder, anxiety, a borderline personality disorder, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts." He goes on, "After the fire I created The Reed Foundation in honor of her and our daughters. Our mission is to eliminate child sexual abuse. Maybe if someone had helped her as a child she would've been able to function more." Michael has petitioned congress to pass what's called #ConstancesBill. It creates a nationwide text alert number for children who are being abused. He's also created a movement called #ShedTheShame. This movement provides an opportunity for adult survivors of abuse to come forward, share their story, and shed the shame of their past. "We have had a lot of success in getting the word out, but there are SO MANY OTHERS I want to reach out to and haven't had that outlet yet," Michael says. "I pray your foundation (NAASCA) is that outlet. We are in this together, and I look forward to working with you. Together we can change the world. One person at a time."