Today on The Balancing Act, we sit down with survivors of devastating school shootings that occurred 19 years apart. Columbine survivor Crystal Miller has gone on to become an internationally known author, speaker and advocate for survivors of school violence. Sadly Parkland, FL also just suffered another tragic incident. We also hear from Carson Campbell, a student at Parkland, Florida’s Stoneman Douglas, the scene of a mass shooting that killed 17 students and teachers this past February 14.
Carson was right next to the freshman building, where the shooter went on his rampage. We learn about the importance of leaning on the community in these times of mourning, and how vital it is to embrace the grieving process. Plus, we get a father’s perspective: how Doug Campbell reacted the moment he learned his son’s school was the scene of an active shooter.
We also hear from a parent whose daughter was an acquaintance of accused Stoneman Douglas school shooter Nikolas Cruz. In fact, Stephanie even drove Cruz to school a few times in middle school.
Next, The Balancing Act is overjoyed to meet with our very own Chef Ralph Pagano, who talks about how his life has changed since suffering severe injuries in a kitchen explosion in Bimini last June. Given a second chance at life, Ralph has found a new understanding of the importance of family, and is learning that he wants to fit his career into his life, rather than fitting his life into his work.
Also, we sit down with Holiday Retirement’s Lilly Donohue and Rick Wigginton, who explain that many older people find themselves becoming more isolated in their own homes. Transitioning into a tight-knit community like Holiday Retirement’s properties — across 42 states — can help them get more out of their golden years.
