This post is brought to you by Reset Wellness.
Meet 555lb, 14 year old, Alexander Draper.
His mother, Jerri Gray, was charged with criminal neglect for letting him gain too much weight. Alexander was soon placed in foster care and stripped away from his mother, as she faced her looming trial (2 felonies, 15 years, $50k bond). During her trial, she claimed that she didn't have the education to help him live a healthy lifestyle nor the finances to put him in the recommended weight loss program.
IS THIS CRIMINAL NEGLECT OR SOCIAL INJUSTICE?
Reset Wellness, a San Francisco Bay Area Non-Profit, has established a program that focuses on providing obesity intervention tools and academic enrichment to underprivileged children in U.S.(www.resetwellness.org) Later this year, Reset Wellness will be opening a child wellness center to expand their community reach and they need your help. “Alexander Draper’s situation is all too common. There’s a fine line between neglect and miseducation,” states Reset Wellness founder Jamal Williams. “As a nonprofit, we've come up with a program that educates families on healthy lifestyles and holds them accountable.”
Currently, there are no one-stop-shops, in the East Bay Area, that tackle child wellness and academics in a practical, economically accessible way. The child wellness center will be the first of its kind and will feature hydraulic strength training circuits, vertical community gardens, technology smart academic classrooms, a childproof kitchen, and health counseling for families.
Donations to fund the $100,000 center start at $5, are tax deductible, and all donors will receive access to exclusive events, customized rewards from Nike, Specialized Bicycles, and more. Go to www.icanstopobesity.org to help make this center real, check out center renderings, and review donor rewards. Jamal concludes, “We've all heard the statistics, been alarmed by their severity, and know a child struggling with weight. However, our emotion is rarely combined with action. Donate and spread the word if you are able. Your help will improve the life of countless families.”
Mellisa
That's really sad. I feel like instead of punishing the mom they should have educated her and made her take nutrition classes.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
You'd think that would have been noticed and dealt with far, far earlier. The punishment seems awfully severe though.
Donna
I don't like that the government intervened. It's a sad story, and I hope the son AND his mother gets help, but there has to be a better way. Just has to...
Kira
Such a sad story, there is no winner in this. Hope the young man gets the help he needs.
Jenn
The punishment seems rather extreme. A sad situation all around.
Angela
This is just a sad story. There needs to be more help and education available to people.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins
I truly do hope that this young man gets the help that he needs!
Tammy
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Common sense tells me that anyone should realize that apples are a healthier snack than let's say Cheetos. That being said, it's sad that the healthy food costs more than the junk does 🙁 I'm glad that there are some people and agencies stepping up to try and help those that are struggling with it though.
LyndaS
I hope they are able to raise all of the funds that are needed.
Penelope (NYC Blogger)
I'm not sure what I think of that case- neglect surely, but I don't know that he'd be better off with someone else. It's so hard, I hope they prevent future occurrences like this.