After a lifelong struggle with mental illness, Bill Bernat used his background in stand-up comedy to return to the stage with a new mission: to share his mental health journey and make people laugh at the same time. Now Bill uses storytelling and public workshops to normalize mental illness and teach others how to relate to loved ones who may be struggling.

A2A Spotlight

Spotlight: Bill Bernat Uses Humor To Normalize Mental Illness

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Rex Butler, whose younger brother Bill died of an accidental overdose of medication prescribed for his chronic back pain. After being trained by the National Safety Council Advocacy Program, Rex began sharing his brother’s story to educate people and save lives.

Spotlight: Rex Butler Helps Prevent Prescription Drug Overdoses After His Brother’s Death

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Norma Loeb, whose mother Lillian suffered from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) for 18 years and was misdiagnosed multiple times. Loeb is the founder of the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center which provides support for people impacted by LBD.

Spotlight: Norma Loeb Provides Resources and Support for People Living with LBD

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Susan Munsey, who was trafficked by a much older boyfriend when she was fifteen. Munsey is the founder of the non-profit GenerateHope, which provides housing, medical care, therapy and education for victims of sex trafficking.

Spotlight: Sex Trafficking Survivor Helps Other Victims Build New Lives

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Due Quach, founder of the non-profit The Collective Success Network. The organization supports first generation college students who experience culture shock. Prior to settling in Philadelphia, Due and her family lived in a refugee camp for two years after fleeing Vietnam. 

Spotlight: Harvard Grad Helps First Generation College Students Succeed

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights LeDerick Horne, who was diagnosed with a learning disability in the third grade. Today Horne is a disability advocate, poet, public speaker and author who challenges people with disabilities to live their dreams.

Spotlight: Spoken Word Poet LeDerick Horne Empowers People With Disabilities

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell spotlights Jesse Billauer, whose spinal cord was severed in a surfing accident when he was only 17-years-old. Jesse is the founder of the Life Rolls On Foundation which provides people with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities the opportunity to surf and skateboard.

Spotlight: Adaptive Surfing Champion Helps People With Disabilities Surf And Skateboard

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Julie Lyles Carr who has two daughters with special needs. Julie is the founder of 2 Dance 2 Dream,  a non-profit that provides inclusive and meaningful dance, performance and art opportunities for children with special needs.

Spotlight: Mother of Eight Helps Provide Creative Opportunities For Children With Special Needs

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Angela Grojean who underwent a double mastectomy in 2018. During her recovery Angela received a hoodie with inside pockets that held her post surgery drain tubes securely and comfortably. Today Angela offers other mastectomy survivors free ‘Abundant Pocket Hoodies,’ to make their recovery easier and more comfortable.

Spotlight: Double Mastectomy Survivor Supports Breast Cancer Patients' Recovery

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Dr. Haidi Demain, the founder of Allergy Safe Kids (ASK): a non-profit that trains school nurses and teachers to recognize and treat severe food allergies. Dr. Demain started ASK shortly after her two-year-old daughter had a very severe reaction to salmon that required emergency room treatment.

Spotlight: Dr. Haidi Demain Helps Keep Kids With Severe Food Allergies Safe At School

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Nicole Hughes, the founder of Water Guardians (Levi’s Legacy), a non-profit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning and teaching water safety. Nicole says she is turning her anger and grief into action.

Spotlight: Mother Whose 3-Year-Old Drowned Becomes Water Safety Advocate

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Melanie Goldring, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just before her 12th birthday. As a teen she volunteered at AYUDA (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad) as a mentor in the Dominican Republic for three summers. Today, she is the organization’s Program Director. 

Spotlight: Melanie Goldring Helps Empower Young Diabetics Across The World

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Dr. Helen Egger, a co-founder of The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance. Dr. Egger’s son Sasha was first diagnosed with AE when he was 13. The rare and difficult to diagnose illness is often confused with schizophrenia but does not respond to the same treatment protocol.

Spotlight: NYU Doctor Raises Awareness Of Autoimmune Encephalitis

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Ruth White who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when she was 40. In addition to teaching at USC, Ruth is a speaker, blogger and the author of several books including “Bipolar 101.”

Spotlight: USC Professor Inspires People With Mental Health Challenges

KCBS Radio afternoon anchor and A2A founder Jeff Bell Spotlights Darius Baxter, co-founder of GOOD Projects, a community based nonprofit whose mission is to help youth and their families live free of poverty and violence. Baxter, whose father was murdered when he was nine years old, knows firsthand how difficult it can be for at-risk youth. 

Spotlight: Former Georgetown Football Player Helps Washingtonians Transition Out Of Poverty

KCBS afternoon anchor and A2A Alliance founder Jeff Bell spotlights remarkable individuals who have turned a personal adversity into advocacy on behalf of others facing similar challenges.

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A2A Spotlight

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