Good news for today feature – 2019 September updates

After another horrific mass shooting in Texas, internal conflicts in the UK Parliament stalling progress on Brexit, an escalating trade war between the world’s two biggest economic powers, and months of ongoing protests in Hong Kong, it can be difficult to remember that there are positive things happening in the world.

In alignment with The Millennial Source’s mission to stay neutral and spread awareness of all current events, we have again arrived at that time to showcase some of the uplifting developments around the globe.

Daisy-May Demetre, age 9, is first double amputee to walk on “New York Fashion Week” Catwalk

Nine-year-old British schoolgirl Daisy-May Demetre has made history with her appearance on the New York Fashion Week Catwalk, one of the biggest fashion events of the year. Daisy-May, a double amputee, took her historic steps with the help of prosthetic legs.

Daisy-May was born with fibular hemimelia, a condition that prevents growth of the fibula, one of the two major bones in the lower leg. After doctors informed Alex and Claire Demetre of their daughter’s condition, they were faced with a difficult decision: Daisy could either grow up with deformed feet that she couldn’t use, or the doctors could perform a double amputation.

Hoping that prosthetics would allow their daughter to have a better life, Alex and Claire Demetre chose to proceed with the amputation. At 18 months old, Daisy-May had both her legs removed.

Undeterred, Daisy-May flourished with her new legs. She is an avid gymnast and model for Britain’s largest clothing company, and has also modeled for Nike and Matalan. After seeing Daisy-May modeling in London, the founder of Lulu et Gigi chose to feature her in the French couture brand’s Kids’ Fashion Week.

Soon after, Daisy-May was chosen for New York Fashion Week, where she appeared on the Catwalk on September 8.

“We didn’t know at the time that Daisy-May would be as good as she is now,” said Alex Demetre. “At the time, I was pretty isolated myself – I had a drinking problem and gambling addictions… That has all changed… She motivates me and I motivate her.”

The US may soon have a three-digit suicide prevention hotline

The US House of Representatives passed the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 with a nearly unanimous 379-1 vote in July 2018. Within a month, the US Senate approved the bill by unanimous consent and President Trump signed it into law.

In response to the new initiative, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) submitted a report to Congress detailing the best combination of numbers to use for the hotline, and the most effective ways to implement the service.

The over 100-page report documented the concerning suicide statistics within the US, and emphasized “…the need to ease access to potentially life-saving resources."

The report also explains why, in the view of the committee, the new initiative shouldn’t be funneled through the 911 emergency line.

“Calls to 911 average 2 minutes or less, and 911 call-takers focus on identifying the nature of the emergency and the caller’s location to enable prompt dispatch of appropriate emergency response… Thus, the 911 system is not well suited to provide suicide-prevention counseling or to respond to calls that can be handled through conversation with a trained mental-health professional rather than dispatching first responders."

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai also tweeted information about the rising suicide rate from 1999 to 2016 in almost every US state, especially among high-risk groups such as military veterans and LGBTQ youth:

Pai added, “Crisis call centers have been shown to save lives… This report recommends using a three-digit number to make it easier to access the critical suicide prevention and mental health services these call centers provide. I intend to move forward on this recommendation…

In the meantime, my heart goes out to anyone facing a crisis. I hope they will contact 1-800-273-TALK for support today."

The FCC report now awaits approval in the House and Senate so that the three-digit hotline may be launched.

Over 25% of millennials have altered their diets to help the environment

A study commissioned by plant-based food processor Sweet Earth Foods, and conducted by OnePoll, surveyed 2,000 US millennials representative of the nation. The results found that 57% of those who responded are inclined to follow a special diet. These special diets include plant-based, Keto, vegan and Whole 30.

Furthermore, 44% of those who follow special diets (roughly a quarter of the entire survey group) do so primarily due to environmental concerns. Another 37% of this group believe that subscribing to a special diet is more ethical.

Millennials are also reportedly more experimental than other generations with regard to their health and diets, making around 17 dietary changes per year. These changes include 47% eating healthier, 41% percent avoiding sugar and carbs, and 36% focusing more on plant-based foods. Additionally, 34% have cut down on meat consumption.

When choosing what to eat, survey participants said that their primary concerns also include cost and nutrients.

The survey has caught the attention of popular restaurant review website Yelp. Almost three-quarters of those who maintain special diets reported having difficulties finding restaurants that cater to their needs. In response, Yelp is in the midst of launching a feature that allows users to enter dietary and lifestyle preferences. The app will then tailor search results specifically for the user.

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Crowdfunding efforts raise $3 million to protect land in Canada

Canadians have raised enough funds to purchase 2,000 acres (800 hectares) of Princess Louisa Inlet on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The purchase will make it possible to convert the region to a Class A public park, protecting it from logging and development.

The crowdfunding efforts were launched by the BC Parks Foundation. The not-for-profit organization works in collaboration with the provincial government’s BC Parks Division to protect and preserve the region’s beautiful natural landscapes.

The fundraising had been in motion for several months when a single donor came through with the necessary funds to reach the $3 million target right before the deadline. After the sale is finalized, the land will be transferred to the BC Parks Division. The conversion to a Class A Provincial Park will ensure its protection forever.

In a letter to donors, BC Parks Foundation CEO Andrew Day wrote, “We still have to finalize the sale with the vendor, and there are more steps to come, but in donating the funds you have scaled a substantial peak on this amazing expedition…

“We know people want to keep B.C. beautiful, and we know our parks are the core of our identity. They are our cathedrals, our towers, our pyramids; the wonders of our world. But we couldn’t have predicted such a fabulous outpouring in such a short time from so many different people and places. We are in a state of awe and gratitude.

“We will keep you posted when the deal is finalized. Any funds that continue to come in will be put in our Parks Bank to protect more areas in Princess Louisa and British Columbia.”

At The Millennial Source, we are committed to showing you the world as it is, both the bad and the good.

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