Posted by Helen on: 02.18.2009 /
Last Friday my daughter had an extra credit assignment to watch Children of the Mountains, a 20/20 special on ABC. Here’s some of the description of the program from ABC’s website
The oldest mountains in America are rich in natural beauty with their raging creeks, steep hollows and old pines. They are also one of the poorest, most disadvantaged regions in America.
Central Appalachia has up to three times the national poverty rate, an epidemic of prescription drug abuse, the shortest life span in the nation, toothlessness, cancer and chronic depression. But everywhere in these hills, there are also young fighters filled with courage and hope.
Settled by tough pioneers who clawed their way over the Appalachian Mountains to expand America’s borders, the region has produced some of the fiercest military fighters the country has seen. Like their ancestors before them, the children of the mountains are born fighters, and for two years, ABC News has documented the unique challenges some of these rural children face as they chase after their dreams.
Courtney, 12, hopes for a home for her and her family. “We’re not like other people, we can’t afford food after food after food,” she said.
Shawn Grim, 18, tries to fight his way out of his dysfunctional family in the mountains by becoming the high school football star of Appalachia, while sleeping in a truck.
Jeremy, 18, makes a decision to accept a life down inside the mines, and Erica, 11, is forced to grow up too quickly, trying over and over again to save her mother’s life.
I watched the program with my daughter. It was quite heart-breaking to see what these children contend with. Yesterday Esther came home and said that apparently there’s been a big response to the program. Here’s some of the response, from ABC’s article Children of the Mountains get help
Shawn, the 18-year-old football player from Flat Gap, Ky., who believed he had to move away from home to keep his dreams on track, has a chance to play football in college after receiving three scholarship offers from Union College, the University of the Cumberlands and the University of Louisville. He has also received offers of tutoring help and employment.
A local tutor stepped in to help Erica, 11, with her studies. An education fund has been established for her by the UNITE Foundation, an anti-drug organization whose founder became a mentor for Erica. Neighbors have also volunteered to help Erica’s family in Cumberland, Ky., repair the fire damage to their home.
A viewer drove all the way from Nashville, Tenn., to Inez, Ky., to see 12-year-old Courtney and to donate clothes to her family, and a California family is sending her the Hannah Montana boots she wants so much.
Dr. Edwin Smith has received donations for his mobile dental clinic, and PepsiCo has reached out to Smith to work with him on dental health initiatives.
I was very glad to hear that the TV program has resulted in people helping the Children of the Mountains. I realize there are many other children growing up in poverty in the US who need help. But it’s a start. At least a few children are being helped who weren’t being helped before.
Comment by: Jim J
1Kudos to ABC, and to those who responded not with advice but with solutions.
Comment by: Jim Henderson
2The power of media
Comment by: Helen
3Jim J, I agree.
Jim H, like you said, this certainly does show the power of media. I’m glad in this case it’s power for good.
Comment by: Elaine
4I’m glad the media brought some attention and assistance to many of these individuals.
Was there any help for Jeremy who went to work in the mines?
My grandfather, uncle, and cousin have all worked in the coal mines of Kentucky at some time in their lives. It is a very hard life.
Thank goodness, my cousin is now a butcher for a local supermarket chain.
I hope someone was able to offer Jeremy an alternative future.
Comment by: Helen
5Elaine, the follow-up article mentioned Jeremy and his wife being given a baby shower by a viewer. I don’t know if he’s been offered other kinds of help. The article also mentioned the hope that the stimulus will bring more jobs to the area so perhaps that will open up other options for Jeremy.
Comment by: Doreen
6It’s great people were concerned about those depicted in the special, which I also watched. Unfortunately, most of what was offered was “give a fish” not “teach to fish” and so it does not do much in the long term.
Comment by: Helen
7Doreen, I hear you. In this case it seems like it’s not just ‘teach to fish’ but also changing the environment so there are fish to catch.