Dwarfism in America - The Bigger Picture

Last year, I met the Campbell family while doing research on Dwarfism, a genetic condition that results in short stature. Jim and Joanna Campbell, who are both average height, had two children...one of which is a little person. Their daughter Elizabeth talks to me about the challenges she has faced throughout her life as a little person, including being called a midget. Many little people refer to this word as the "M" word. My story, The Bigger Picture, has had a positive impact on many around the world. I've received great feedback from people here in California...and as far away as Sweden. I'm happy to say that this month, my youtube link hit the 4000 mark. The story has also received the attention of NBC's The Today Show. If you haven't had a chance to view The Bigger Picture, you can find the link on the right side of this page.

Moving to Los Angeles

Hi Everyone - Happy Thanksgiving to you all! This year we all have many things to be thankful for. It's been 7 months since I got married...and I'm beyond thankful that I'll now be able to permanently move to the LA area to live with my wife, Debbie. I'll be working as a freelance reporter for KTLA beginning next month. I'm extremely excited about the new opportunity, however I'll miss the friends I've made while working at KMIR 6 in Palm Springs. But it will be incredible to finally be reporting on what's happening in my hometown. Hope you'll tune in!

Augie's Quest

In the 9 years I've been in this business, very few times has an interview brought me to tears. That all changed this morning when I caught NBC's Natalie Morales interviewing Augie Nieto on The Today Show. Augie Nieto was the co-founder and former president of Life Fitness...popularizing the Lifecycle. He has always been known for being the picture of health and fitness. But in the spring of 2005 at the age of 47, he was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Since his diagnosis, he has raised close to 12 million dollars towards a cure, and his goal is 18 million. Right now Augie is co-chair, with his wife, Lynne, of the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s ALS Division. Watching his interview was beyond inspiring because despite his detereorating condition, he still fights on for a cure with a positive attitude. His cause is known as Augie's Quest and you can read more about it at augiesquest.org. Please take a moment to check out the site. Augie's story is truly inspirational.

Dia De Los Muertos

For those of us who have lost someone, today is a special day to remember them. Dia De Los Muertos began more than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico. They encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. That ritual is now known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It's celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States, including right here in the Coachella Valley. The historical and cultural belief is that life was seen as a dream and it was only in dying that a human being was truly awake. That's when the soul is believed to be set free. Think about your loved ones who have passed on...and smile. Their spirit is with you today.