April 11, 2025 • 28 mins
This week, we meet an extraordinary young hero: 6-year-old Nikos Kaymakcian, New Jersey’s 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion. Diagnosed with the most serious form of Spina Bifida before birth, Nikos has overcome tremendous challenges with the support of his family and care team at Children’s Specialized Hospital. A wheelchair basketball player, NY Giants superfan, and proud big brother, Nikos brings determination and joy to every part of his life.
We speak with Nikos and his mom, Nicole, about their journey and what hope looks like for families of children with complex medical needs.
💙 Support kids like Nikos: www.give2csh.org/chw
🌈 In our SpeakOUT segment, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo, a nationally respected attorney, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ+ activist. Founder of Giampolo Law Group (GLG), Angela specializes in LGBTQ+ legal advocacy, estate planning, civil rights, and family law.
We discuss the impact of Trump-era executive orders on the LGBTQIA+ community—and what that means for civil rights, safety, and equality in today’s America.
🔗 Learn more and connect with Angela Giampolo:
• Website: www.giampololaw.com
• Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
• Facebook: Angela Giampolo
• X (formerly Twitter): @phillygaylawyer
• LinkedIn: Angela Giampolo
💡 Finally, we close out the episode with six practical tips for everyday Americans navigating the real-world impact of economic policies under the Trump administration—from taxes and healthcare to inflation and labor protections.
These strategies are simple, actionable, and focused on building resilience in uncertain times.
We speak with Nikos and his mom, Nicole, about their journey and what hope looks like for families of children with complex medical needs.
💙 Support kids like Nikos: www.give2csh.org/chw
🌈 In our SpeakOUT segment, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo, a nationally respected attorney, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ+ activist. Founder of Giampolo Law Group (GLG), Angela specializes in LGBTQ+ legal advocacy, estate planning, civil rights, and family law.
We discuss the impact of Trump-era executive orders on the LGBTQIA+ community—and what that means for civil rights, safety, and equality in today’s America.
🔗 Learn more and connect with Angela Giampolo:
• Website: www.giampololaw.com
• Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
• Facebook: Angela Giampolo
• X (formerly Twitter): @phillygaylawyer
• LinkedIn: Angela Giampolo
💡 Finally, we close out the episode with six practical tips for everyday Americans navigating the real-world impact of economic policies under the Trump administration—from taxes and healthcare to inflation and labor protections.
These strategies are simple, actionable, and focused on building resilience in uncertain times.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to What's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow. We are joined as we are once
a month every month by Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law
and Philly Gay Lawyer, as we look at issues facing
the LGBTQIA plus community and how they impact us all.
(00:21):
We'll also have six practical tips for the average American
who may be feeling the impact of economic policies under
a Trump administration, especially those related to taxes, health care, inflation,
and labor protections. But first, a story to warm the heart.
Meet six year old Nicos Camachian from New Jersey. He's
(00:41):
New Jersey's twenty twenty five Miracle Network Champion. Diagnosed with
the most serious form of spina bifida before he was
even born, Nicos has defied the odds with the help
of his family and his team at Children's Specialized Hospital.
A wheelchair basketball player, New York Giants superfan, we forgive
him and loving big brother Nicos. He brings joy, determination,
(01:04):
and resilience to everything that he does, so we are
very very pleased to speak to both Nicos and his
mom Nicole. I'm going to start with Nicole, can you
take us back to the moment when you found out
about Nico's diagnosis and what would those early days like
for your family?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Hello, thank you for having me. I just, you know,
want to start off saying it was a very traumatic
moment for us. We you know, we're here five months pregnant,
going in for our appointment, thinking that it was going
to be a beautiful day. We were actually planning to
go to the city after our appointment, and during that
appointment being told that our son there was something wrong.
(01:43):
And those minutes when they were looking at the sonogram,
just saying, you know, give a a few minutes, we'll
see what's going on. We'll come back. They kept leaving
their room and then coming back again. So when this
was all going on, my husband and I were looking
at each other thinking, what is happening right now? Is
the baby okay? What's what's going on? And finally they
came back and said, you know, we think there's something wrong.
(02:05):
We see maybe a hole in his back. It could
be spina bifida. I'm not sure if you know what
that is. And we had zero clue what that meant.
But you're going to have to follow up with Chop
in Philadelphia, and you're gonna have to just go from there.
So those early days of getting that first tragic news
of our you know, beautiful baby, we already had a
son who was two at the time, and we just
(02:27):
thought this was like a normal visit. We had no
idea we were going to get this kind of terrible news.
So it was very sad and upsetting, and you know,
we left there crying and just wondering why and how
and you know, what did I do wrong? Did I
do something wrong? And what was what was going to
be the outcome? So that was was just really upsetting
at that point.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
I think when a situation like this arises, oftentimes parents
will blame themselves. We'll think, you know, I should have
done this, I should have done that, when in fact,
there was nothing that you could have done. But what
you are doing now is making sure that Nico has
the best care possible.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
And he goos.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
We heard that you love playing basketball and cheering for
the Giants. What's your favorite thing about both?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Oh? So, I both like football basketball, as you know,
but of course I like shooting. I like throwing and
in football I like throwing making touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
That is fantastic. How do you feel about being named
the New Jersey twenty twenty five Children's Miracle Network Champion?
Pretty cool?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, it is pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
So when you when you heard you were chosen, like,
tell tell us how you felt about it and you
know what that's meant for you.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
I was like, first, I was like what I they
said it? I was like, first, I was like, yeah,
I'm the twenty four out fans skin and then it's
like it made me proud.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Well, we are proud for you as well. I wonder
if you can talk Nicole about children Specialized Hospitals supporting
Nkos's journey, especially through therapy, and his love for the
spider Cage. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
So, you know, upon entering Children's Specialized Hospital, they were
just from the very beginning such a help, so kind
and welcoming and loving. They have provided so much care
for Nicos, and the spider Cage being such a big
pivotal point for everything because with the weakness in his legs,
he can't you know, he doesn't have a lot of
(04:25):
strength there. So the spider cage is a cage with
elastic bungies and therasuits that are connected to Nicos to
give him that ability to actually stand up and take
that pressure off of the weight of his ankles so
he can actually stand and jump and stretch and move
(04:46):
and it builds the muscle that are in his glutes
and his muscles and his ankles to make them stronger.
So the spider cage is one of his favorite things there.
He loves it. And we're just so thankful that we're
able to even attend the is physical therapy sessions because
without the spider cage, he wouldn't be where he is.
I mean, Children's has just done so much with him
(05:08):
and worked with him, and the dedication that these physical
therapists put in is just you know, there's not enough
banks that I can give them for what they do
for my son.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, and also I just wonder if you could talk
about some of the biggest milestones that Nicos has reached
the doctors didn't expect and how did you all celebrate.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yeah, so, oh, there's so many milestones. So you know,
the doctors originally had told us that he would not
do a lot of things. They told us that he
most likely would not walk, he would be wheelchair bound.
You know, it was devastating. We got the news from
Chop and we actually were hopeful because when we were
getting some of those sonograms, everything looked great. Brain was
(05:52):
looking great, heart, all his you know, body parts were
moving in my womb. So we were thinking, you know,
this is he looks fine to us. But when we
got in that final meeting, they said, this is not
something to take lightly. This is going to be a
huge challenge and maybe this is something that you don't
want to go through with you know, you have another child,
could be a burden. So there was just a lot
(06:13):
to you know, think about in those beginning stages. But
then after we sort of going to Children's and they
were working with him, every single milestone that he met
was a huge victory. And you know it's funny because
his name Nicos, the Greek root means victory. So every
time we feel that he meets a milestone, we just
(06:33):
feel like, here we go again, He's meets this milestone.
And he would not have done that without Children's working
with him. So, you know, so much in the time
that they put in with him, and what would we
do in Negos. We would buy him certain things that
made him excited. You know, there was a time he
was into little action figures and we would either buy
him the latest one, the Captain America or the Spider
(06:56):
Man or the Superman. Then his love for sports came. So,
you know, each time he took a step and we
would say, Nicos, you know if you first he started
off with the army crawl, and then after that, you know,
they would have him walking on the treadmill. And even
that was a big deal because things for us come
a lot easier when you have somebody like Nico's. For
him to just stand up, or for him to get
out of a chair, for him to lift down and
(07:18):
pick up a piece of paper, it's one hundred times
harder for him than it is for us. So every
time he came back from physical therapy and they reached
a new milestone, it was like we hit the lottery.
It was just just made us so proud and happy
and thankful that they are able to get them to
these places.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Yeah, so Nicos was what was the best thing, your
favorite thing when you were going to children's specialized hospital?
What do you think about the hospital and the people
that you work with.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
So so my thvery thing is to do there is
on the spider cage as well, and call on chadill
and spare around and have fun.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Okay, those are all good things, Nicole. I wonder what
you would want other families facing us spina bifida diagnosis
to know and how can people support kids Likenicos.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Yeah, so I My biggest thing that I would say
to these families is that when you get news like
spina bifida or you know, any of these other diagnosises
that families get, is don't be afraid. Don't be afraid
because a lot of these things that you're told they can't,
they won't. This is going to be, you know, tragic.
(08:30):
Just know there is hope on the other side. We
are Christians, so we're big in our faith and you
know we put our trust in faith in Jesus, right, Nikos. Yeah,
and we you know, we always say with God, all
things are possible. And we know that when you have
a place like Children Specialized Hospital that's able to come
alongside of you, stand with you. I mean, they're like
(08:51):
family to us. So you know, they have taken these
moments and transformed Nicos into you know, this this strong
boy that he didn't know that he has the strength
that he has inside and with their care, with their love,
they've gotten him to such a place where he's built
confidence that he didn't know he had. So just know
(09:12):
that there is support out there. Know that there is
a children specialized hospital that is able to work with
you and walk you through these steps and get you
through moments that just seem like there's just no hope
for my son, because that's what we thought in the beginning.
We just thought, how are we going to navigate this.
I don't have the patience for this. I don't know
if I can endure this hardship. But you do. You
(09:33):
just this is your son, this is your daughter, this
is you know, you could get through these moments with
people by your side and the support and the love,
and just know that there's others out there like you
going through the same thing, and there's support and hospitals
like children that can You know, you meet certain connections
and maybe you don't know any other families with spineabifida,
(09:54):
which we didn't when we were starting to go there,
and through some of our sessions, we would come across
the parent and we would start talking and sure enough,
their child had spina bifida. So you start to build
these connections that you wouldn't think that you would normally have.
But because of these things and these meetings and these sessions,
you just build this relationship and it's it's a great support.
(10:16):
So I would just say, don't be afraid. You could
get through this and you're strong, just like Nikos. Nicos
didn't think he'd be able to do a lot of things,
and here he is with children, specialized help. He's walking,
he has braces, he has a walker, he does have
his wheelchair for long distances. But with the help and
the support you could, you can get through this. You
can do anything, for sure.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
And Nikos, any shout outs you want to give, anyone
you want to shout out on the radio, anyone you
want to say hello to or whatever.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Hi, whoever. People are listening to this, and I think
you all for listening to this, and I hope you
have fun hearing this and it could be fun for
you guys to listen to. And that's it. That's all
I wanted to say.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Well, that was beautiful and it's a lot of fun
listening to you and your mom. Six year old Nicos Camachian,
who is New Jersey's twenty twenty five Children's Miracle Network Champion,
diagnosed with the most serious form of spina bifida before
he was even born, but he is doing amazing things
a wheelchair basketball player New York Giants superfan. Again, we
(11:22):
forgive you and loving big brother Nico Spriggs joy, determination
and resilience to everything that he does. Thanks to his mom,
Nicole for also sharing this special journey that was supported
by Children Specialized Hospital, which does amazing work with kids
who have special needs in so many different areas. If
(11:43):
you want to help, you can also give. You can
go to give the number two csh dotorg slash CHW
and we'll also have that on our podcast version. Thank
you both for joining us today.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Thank you so much for having us. I really hope
you guys enjoy this.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Thank you for all you do or Helse three. I
really like this. I really like that. Uh therapy and
thanks to all and buy.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Okay, that's awesome, great, Thank you you're listening to what's
going on this summer. Thousands of children in our community
will face hunger, but you can help. Nutritional Development Services
of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia provides free, nutritious meals to
kids who need them, but we need volunteers and community
organizations to serve as meal sites. Whether you are a church,
(12:33):
community center, or any other organization, it has programs for children.
You can be a partner. Visit Nutritionaldevelopment Services dot org
or call two one five eight nine five three four
seven oh to get more information. Together, we can feed hope.
Speaker 6 (12:48):
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draw different, you listen to music different. But you probably
knew that problem is you also drive different, and not
in a good way. That's why driving high is illegal everywhere.
So if you're high, just don't drive. Make a plan
(13:08):
to get a sober ride because if you feel different,
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AD Council.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
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where people are coming together.
Speaker 6 (13:21):
I gotta tell you, I was nervous to talk to
someone so different than me.
Speaker 7 (13:25):
Me too, but I'm glad we are. Love has no
labels and one small step are helping people with different
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Speaker 1 (13:36):
Wow, your story is so interesting.
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Speaker 5 (13:56):
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Speaker 4 (13:59):
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Speaker 7 (14:10):
A message from story Core, Love Has No Labels and
the ad Council.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
I'm so delighted to have Andelo Gianpolo join us as
she does once a month every month with speak Out.
She is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, LGBTQ plus activist dedicated
to serving the LGBTQ plus community, and she is here
to talk about the issues that impact that community but
also impact us all. Thank you once again for joining
(14:38):
us here today and every day. There's something new that
is impacting this wonderful community. And you just told me
something off Mike that completely shocked me. And that was
the banning of the Pride flag. Tell us more in
what state is that happening and what is the implication
of that.
Speaker 8 (14:56):
So currently we have Utah and Idaho that have passed
laws banning Pride flags from being flown five hundred dollars
fine for anyone seen flying.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
A Pride flag, and it's spreading.
Speaker 8 (15:09):
Once one state enacts legislation that another states just copy
the law. So Florida's in the midst of doing it,
and then we're going to probably see that spread, especially
as we enter Pride Month Idaho and so far as
to say any and all flags except the American flag,
whereas Utah is very specific Pride flag only is banned.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Is there any challenge to this legislation not as of yet.
Speaker 8 (15:34):
This just happened in the last couple of days, So
I'm sure there will be and there'll be obviously folks
that will be flying flags during Pride Month. Enforceability is
in question. What's this going to look like? It just
goes to show, Like you said, you know where we
are in this particular political climate right now.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
The last time you were here, we talked about how
the Trunk administration is erasing anything related to DEI on
all all of their websites. They're definitely specifically banning transgender
individuals from being represented on any of the government websites.
And we also talked about what what that means. Representation matters.
Speaker 8 (16:13):
Right, with representation comes normalization, affirmation, legitimizing very existence to
render someone invisible, right, not in society, but legally. They
even sent directives down to the EEOC to drop any
(16:35):
and all discrimination claims having to do with transgender folks.
So a violent and concerted effort to render an entire
group of people invisible. You and I have talked over
the years. You know, it feels like eons ago when
we were talking about representation and TV and how wonderful
it was for the LGBTQ community. I'm blanking on the
(16:57):
name of the show, but it's super cute and hurt
something these kids. And it was the first character that
was that identified as asexual on television, right, and so
what does that mean for asexuals around the world to
actually see themselves reflected in a character in a show?
And it sounds mundane, it's just a character in a show,
(17:20):
But you know, no one talks about asexuals and their
experience in the world and to see yourself visible in
any way adds to a normalizing effect and helps with
mental health. And studies have shown that anti LGBTQ legislation
of any kind, but especially towards a trensgender community, only
(17:42):
serves to increase suicide rates, drug and alcohol addictions. Representation
goes a long way.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
As a person, a woman, and a person of color
growing up, I know that every time I saw, first
of all, every time I saw like a cool woman,
you know, doing something amazing, it made me feel seen.
It made me feel like, oh, that's someone who I
could aspire to be. There is someone I'm not alone.
Representation can have such a huge impact on people's self
(18:11):
worth and how we feel about ourselves. So I'd like
to also talk about other aspects of what's been happening.
When we talk about what the city is doing. In Philadelphia,
we have Rulandeu, who is the first openly gay elected
official in city council. How do you think we're doing
(18:31):
as a city. We have been a very welcoming city
when it comes to LGBTQ individuals and rights. What are
your thoughts on that?
Speaker 8 (18:39):
And real quick just to go back to the representation
and feeling seen and being seen, and then that having
the impact of inspiring folks to do more. Condoleisea Rice
when she speaks, always talks about when they ask her,
how did you get to where you are? And she said,
growing up like you said, you know, at first, just
seeing women in power was the extent of what I
(19:02):
thought that I could achieve as a woman. But they
were all white women, and it was really Colon Powell
just as a black man. But seeing a black person,
even though it wasn't a woman, then that expanded, right,
So could it be a black woman in that role.
Speaker 5 (19:18):
By putting the two together.
Speaker 8 (19:20):
But she had to first see women excel in legal
and political spheres and then see a black person, and
then she then put the two together and says, I
will be that black woman that will then be I
have chills as I say it. And these are folks
that are not of my political party. But you know,
it's like, again, what impacts one community impacts everybody, right,
(19:44):
And so here in Philadelphia grew in my opinion, has
gone a long way of doing just that right of
being the LGBTQ version of that of being a visible
very visible for decades now visible person in multiple spheres
and politics here in Philadelphia. Jim Kenny, as you know,
(20:06):
city council person in nineteen ninety six, was instrumental in
us having the very first nationwide Life Partnership Registry. And he,
you know, said way back that bullying is just unfair,
regardless of who it's towards, and that he grew up
and mummers he had men wearing dresses, and so you know,
(20:28):
who were they to cast a stone towards the LGBTQ community,
and that the end of the day, bullying anyone is
not right. We have a long, long history of fifty
some odd years in this city of fighting for LGBTQ
rights but also just what is right. And we under
Nutter had the very first LGBTQ liaison to the mayor
(20:50):
and we just had a new replacement. So I believe
Tyrell Brown is the new LGBTQ liaison to the mayor.
Speaker 5 (20:57):
Black man. So you know, that's awesome.
Speaker 8 (20:59):
So we you know, this city puts its money where
its mouth is and walks the walk, doesn't just talk
the talk. With that said, sanctuary cities then come under attack.
As you mentioned, you know, Philadelphia has declared itself a
sanctuary city and on all things LGBTQ issues, trans athletes
being able to play in schools, and immigration, you name it.
(21:21):
Philadelphia standing up as a sanctuary city. But that also
means we're the first to be attacked.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
You know.
Speaker 8 (21:27):
The cities that are standing up are the ones that
are getting defunded in every way, shape or form.
Speaker 5 (21:32):
But I'm very proud of this city.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Yeah, yeah, I have to say shout out to Jim Kenny.
He was very much an advocate and an ally for
the lgbtqia plus community. Well, so let's get down to
what can we do. So over the last weekend I
was covering the Hands Off rally and there is a
lot of representation there, not only for lgbtqia plus individuals
(21:58):
and issues, range of issues. It was very eclectic. What
can we do? What can we do? Now? Give us
a couple of points of action that we can take.
Speaker 8 (22:07):
So specific to protesting, I highly recommend that if you
are going to go to protests and you may get arrested.
You know, some folks protest and do so quietly and
sort of off on the fringe. Others are more active
and more so on the front lines, and so if
you are one of those people, it's not enough to
(22:28):
just have a lawyer's name ready. You can contact a
criminal defense attorney. I have a few folks that I
recommend and pay them in advance, retain them, and then
they give you a special letter that you keep on
your person if you are arrested. You're not just handing
over a business card and say this is who I
want to call. No, you have retained an attorney. This
(22:52):
letter states so, and you're treated completely differently. So I've
had a lot of folks reach out and think that
I can do something like that.
Speaker 5 (23:00):
I am of no use in that realm.
Speaker 8 (23:03):
I don't do criminal defense, but it is something that
goes back to the sixties and has sort of gone
by the wayside. But as you know, the police force
is ramped up the way that it is, especially entering
April twentieth, which is sort of this ninety day deadline
post January twentieth, and potential martial law and all of
these things that I highly highly recommend if you do
(23:24):
believe you'll be arrested, to have already talked to a
criminal defense attorney in advance. Secondly, from an immigration standpoint
now that especially here in Philadelphia Sanctuary City, ice raids
are They're happening everywhere, and they're mass they're not in
ice gear. They're breaking sort of every single due process
(23:47):
law that we have having a durable power of attorney.
So the durable power of attorney won't be able to
get you out of detainment. If you are detained, you've
lost all due process. But to have someone on the
outset side that can then continue to act for you
as you legally and financially. If you were to just disappear,
it won't help you personally, but who's going to pay
(24:11):
your mortgage, who's going to pay your rent? Who has
the ability to communicate for you legally and financially. So
many people don't have that in place, and you never
know when a rate. That's the whole point of them, right,
And so one of the most important estate planning documents
that I'm recommending. I'm speaking at an immigration panel for
(24:31):
undocumented workers in the industry. So a lot of restaurants,
our owners are coming together and holding this event and
what can their workers do? And that's one of the
most important estate planning documents. So we're going to have
a clinic where we're going to give them, you know,
do them and give them out. Complementary but very easy
to pull off offline. The statutory document is right there online.
(24:52):
You don't have to pay an attorney to do it,
but definitely empower someone to be able to live for
you financially.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
That's really great advice if people want to know more
about what you do. You do a lot of estate planning,
and a lot of folks are really getting that stuff
done in the face of all the challenges that people
are facing these days. How do people get in touch
with you?
Speaker 8 (25:12):
Just go to my website Jampolo law dot com or
Lawyer dot LGBT. I also blog at Phillygaylawyer dot com
and you can find me on TikTok and Instagram these
days your gay lawyer, or you can just call the
office two on five six four five twenty four fifteen.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Thank you so much, Angela Giampaolo, who comes to us
once a month every month for a segment we call
speak Out, which is all about the LGBTQI plus community,
but also how all of that stuff that impacts this
community really also impacts all of us.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
Thank you, Thank you, Laren.
Speaker 1 (25:47):
And finally, regardless of your political affiliation. We share six
practical tips for the average American who may be feeling
the impact of economic policies under a Trump administration, especially
those related to taxes, healthcare, inflation, and labor protections. Number one,
reevaluate your tax strategy. Some tax policies may favor high
(26:09):
earners or corporations while reducing certain deductions or credits from
middle income families.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
This is the tip.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Use free tax prep services or consult a CPA to
make sure you're maximizing any available credits like the Child
Tax Credit or the Earned income tax Credit, and adjust
withholdings appropriately. Number two. Protect your healthcare access. If changes
to the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid funding are proposed,
(26:37):
this could affect coverage options, so here's the tip. Stay
informed during open enrollment periods and explore options via the
ACA marketplace, state programs, or employer benefits. Apply early if
you think you might qualify for subsidies. Number three, Build
a household emergency fund. Economic uncertainty like deregulation, cuts to
(27:00):
safety net programs, or tariff related inflation can make middle
class budgets more fragile. Here's a tip. Aim for three
to six months of essential expenses in a high yield
savings account. Start small, twenty five dollars a month can
still make a difference. Number four. Stay engaged with local
and state politics. Federal shifts may roll back labor protections,
(27:24):
education funding, or environmental safeguards, but local governments can step in.
Here's your tip. Attend school board, city council, or town
hall meetings. Your voice is powerful at the local level.
Number five. Make career resilience a priority. Labor market shifts
like weakened union power or fewer work protections can impact
(27:45):
job security, so your tip invest in upskilling, free online courses, certifications,
join professional networks, and consider side income streams to buffer
job instability. And Finally, number six, advocate and vote. Policy
changes are not set in stone. They reflect who's in
office and who participates. And your final tip, stay informed,
(28:09):
vote in every election, local, state, and national, and support
advocacy groups aligned with your economic and social values. You
can listen to all of today's interviews by going to
our station website and typing in keyword Community. You can
also listen on the iHeartRadio app Keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard. I'm
(28:32):
Lorraine Ballard, morral and I stand for service to our
community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
Good morning, and welcome to What's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow. We are joined as we are once
a month every month by Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law
and Philly Gay Lawyer, as we look at issues facing
the LGBTQIA plus community and how they impact us all.
(00:21):
We'll also have six practical tips for the average American
who may be feeling the impact of economic policies under
a Trump administration, especially those related to taxes, health care, inflation,
and labor protections. But first, a story to warm the heart.
Meet six year old Nicos Camachian from New Jersey. He's
(00:41):
New Jersey's twenty twenty five Miracle Network Champion. Diagnosed with
the most serious form of spina bifida before he was
even born, Nicos has defied the odds with the help
of his family and his team at Children's Specialized Hospital.
A wheelchair basketball player, New York Giants superfan, we forgive
him and loving big brother Nicos. He brings joy, determination,
(01:04):
and resilience to everything that he does, so we are
very very pleased to speak to both Nicos and his
mom Nicole. I'm going to start with Nicole, can you
take us back to the moment when you found out
about Nico's diagnosis and what would those early days like
for your family?
Speaker 2 (01:22):
Hello, thank you for having me. I just, you know,
want to start off saying it was a very traumatic
moment for us. We you know, we're here five months pregnant,
going in for our appointment, thinking that it was going
to be a beautiful day. We were actually planning to
go to the city after our appointment, and during that
appointment being told that our son there was something wrong.
(01:43):
And those minutes when they were looking at the sonogram,
just saying, you know, give a a few minutes, we'll
see what's going on. We'll come back. They kept leaving
their room and then coming back again. So when this
was all going on, my husband and I were looking
at each other thinking, what is happening right now? Is
the baby okay? What's what's going on? And finally they
came back and said, you know, we think there's something wrong.
(02:05):
We see maybe a hole in his back. It could
be spina bifida. I'm not sure if you know what
that is. And we had zero clue what that meant.
But you're going to have to follow up with Chop
in Philadelphia, and you're gonna have to just go from there.
So those early days of getting that first tragic news
of our you know, beautiful baby, we already had a
son who was two at the time, and we just
(02:27):
thought this was like a normal visit. We had no
idea we were going to get this kind of terrible news.
So it was very sad and upsetting, and you know,
we left there crying and just wondering why and how
and you know, what did I do wrong? Did I
do something wrong? And what was what was going to
be the outcome? So that was was just really upsetting
at that point.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
I think when a situation like this arises, oftentimes parents
will blame themselves. We'll think, you know, I should have
done this, I should have done that, when in fact,
there was nothing that you could have done. But what
you are doing now is making sure that Nico has
the best care possible.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
And he goos.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
We heard that you love playing basketball and cheering for
the Giants. What's your favorite thing about both?
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Oh? So, I both like football basketball, as you know,
but of course I like shooting. I like throwing and
in football I like throwing making touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
That is fantastic. How do you feel about being named
the New Jersey twenty twenty five Children's Miracle Network Champion?
Pretty cool?
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, it is pretty cool.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
So when you when you heard you were chosen, like,
tell tell us how you felt about it and you
know what that's meant for you.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
I was like, first, I was like what I they
said it? I was like, first, I was like, yeah,
I'm the twenty four out fans skin and then it's
like it made me proud.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Well, we are proud for you as well. I wonder
if you can talk Nicole about children Specialized Hospitals supporting
Nkos's journey, especially through therapy, and his love for the
spider Cage. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
So, you know, upon entering Children's Specialized Hospital, they were
just from the very beginning such a help, so kind
and welcoming and loving. They have provided so much care
for Nicos, and the spider Cage being such a big
pivotal point for everything because with the weakness in his legs,
he can't you know, he doesn't have a lot of
(04:25):
strength there. So the spider cage is a cage with
elastic bungies and therasuits that are connected to Nicos to
give him that ability to actually stand up and take
that pressure off of the weight of his ankles so
he can actually stand and jump and stretch and move
(04:46):
and it builds the muscle that are in his glutes
and his muscles and his ankles to make them stronger.
So the spider cage is one of his favorite things there.
He loves it. And we're just so thankful that we're
able to even attend the is physical therapy sessions because
without the spider cage, he wouldn't be where he is.
I mean, Children's has just done so much with him
(05:08):
and worked with him, and the dedication that these physical
therapists put in is just you know, there's not enough
banks that I can give them for what they do
for my son.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, and also I just wonder if you could talk
about some of the biggest milestones that Nicos has reached
the doctors didn't expect and how did you all celebrate.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Yeah, so, oh, there's so many milestones. So you know,
the doctors originally had told us that he would not
do a lot of things. They told us that he
most likely would not walk, he would be wheelchair bound.
You know, it was devastating. We got the news from
Chop and we actually were hopeful because when we were
getting some of those sonograms, everything looked great. Brain was
(05:52):
looking great, heart, all his you know, body parts were
moving in my womb. So we were thinking, you know,
this is he looks fine to us. But when we
got in that final meeting, they said, this is not
something to take lightly. This is going to be a
huge challenge and maybe this is something that you don't
want to go through with you know, you have another child,
could be a burden. So there was just a lot
(06:13):
to you know, think about in those beginning stages. But
then after we sort of going to Children's and they
were working with him, every single milestone that he met
was a huge victory. And you know it's funny because
his name Nicos, the Greek root means victory. So every
time we feel that he meets a milestone, we just
(06:33):
feel like, here we go again, He's meets this milestone.
And he would not have done that without Children's working
with him. So, you know, so much in the time
that they put in with him, and what would we
do in Negos. We would buy him certain things that
made him excited. You know, there was a time he
was into little action figures and we would either buy
him the latest one, the Captain America or the Spider
(06:56):
Man or the Superman. Then his love for sports came. So,
you know, each time he took a step and we
would say, Nicos, you know if you first he started
off with the army crawl, and then after that, you know,
they would have him walking on the treadmill. And even
that was a big deal because things for us come
a lot easier when you have somebody like Nico's. For
him to just stand up, or for him to get
out of a chair, for him to lift down and
(07:18):
pick up a piece of paper, it's one hundred times
harder for him than it is for us. So every
time he came back from physical therapy and they reached
a new milestone, it was like we hit the lottery.
It was just just made us so proud and happy
and thankful that they are able to get them to
these places.
Speaker 1 (07:36):
Yeah, so Nicos was what was the best thing, your
favorite thing when you were going to children's specialized hospital?
What do you think about the hospital and the people
that you work with.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
So so my thvery thing is to do there is
on the spider cage as well, and call on chadill
and spare around and have fun.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
Okay, those are all good things, Nicole. I wonder what
you would want other families facing us spina bifida diagnosis
to know and how can people support kids Likenicos.
Speaker 2 (08:10):
Yeah, so I My biggest thing that I would say
to these families is that when you get news like
spina bifida or you know, any of these other diagnosises
that families get, is don't be afraid. Don't be afraid
because a lot of these things that you're told they can't,
they won't. This is going to be, you know, tragic.
(08:30):
Just know there is hope on the other side. We
are Christians, so we're big in our faith and you
know we put our trust in faith in Jesus, right, Nikos. Yeah,
and we you know, we always say with God, all
things are possible. And we know that when you have
a place like Children Specialized Hospital that's able to come
alongside of you, stand with you. I mean, they're like
(08:51):
family to us. So you know, they have taken these
moments and transformed Nicos into you know, this this strong
boy that he didn't know that he has the strength
that he has inside and with their care, with their love,
they've gotten him to such a place where he's built
confidence that he didn't know he had. So just know
(09:12):
that there is support out there. Know that there is
a children specialized hospital that is able to work with
you and walk you through these steps and get you
through moments that just seem like there's just no hope
for my son, because that's what we thought in the beginning.
We just thought, how are we going to navigate this.
I don't have the patience for this. I don't know
if I can endure this hardship. But you do. You
(09:33):
just this is your son, this is your daughter, this
is you know, you could get through these moments with
people by your side and the support and the love,
and just know that there's others out there like you
going through the same thing, and there's support and hospitals
like children that can You know, you meet certain connections
and maybe you don't know any other families with spineabifida,
(09:54):
which we didn't when we were starting to go there,
and through some of our sessions, we would come across
the parent and we would start talking and sure enough,
their child had spina bifida. So you start to build
these connections that you wouldn't think that you would normally have.
But because of these things and these meetings and these sessions,
you just build this relationship and it's it's a great support.
(10:16):
So I would just say, don't be afraid. You could
get through this and you're strong, just like Nikos. Nicos
didn't think he'd be able to do a lot of things,
and here he is with children, specialized help. He's walking,
he has braces, he has a walker, he does have
his wheelchair for long distances. But with the help and
the support you could, you can get through this. You
can do anything, for sure.
Speaker 5 (10:35):
That's great.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
And Nikos, any shout outs you want to give, anyone
you want to shout out on the radio, anyone you
want to say hello to or whatever.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Hi, whoever. People are listening to this, and I think
you all for listening to this, and I hope you
have fun hearing this and it could be fun for
you guys to listen to. And that's it. That's all
I wanted to say.
Speaker 1 (11:00):
Well, that was beautiful and it's a lot of fun
listening to you and your mom. Six year old Nicos Camachian,
who is New Jersey's twenty twenty five Children's Miracle Network Champion,
diagnosed with the most serious form of spina bifida before
he was even born, but he is doing amazing things
a wheelchair basketball player New York Giants superfan. Again, we
(11:22):
forgive you and loving big brother Nico Spriggs joy, determination
and resilience to everything that he does. Thanks to his mom,
Nicole for also sharing this special journey that was supported
by Children Specialized Hospital, which does amazing work with kids
who have special needs in so many different areas. If
(11:43):
you want to help, you can also give. You can
go to give the number two csh dotorg slash CHW
and we'll also have that on our podcast version. Thank
you both for joining us today.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Thank you so much for having us. I really hope
you guys enjoy this.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Thank you for all you do or Helse three. I
really like this. I really like that. Uh therapy and
thanks to all and buy.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Okay, that's awesome, great, Thank you you're listening to what's
going on this summer. Thousands of children in our community
will face hunger, but you can help. Nutritional Development Services
of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia provides free, nutritious meals to
kids who need them, but we need volunteers and community
organizations to serve as meal sites. Whether you are a church,
(12:33):
community center, or any other organization, it has programs for children.
You can be a partner. Visit Nutritionaldevelopment Services dot org
or call two one five eight nine five three four
seven oh to get more information. Together, we can feed hope.
Speaker 6 (12:48):
When you're high, you feel different, think different, to talk different,
draw different, you listen to music different. But you probably
knew that problem is you also drive different, and not
in a good way. That's why driving high is illegal everywhere.
So if you're high, just don't drive. Make a plan
(13:08):
to get a sober ride because if you feel different,
you drive different. Brought to you by NITZA and the
AD Council.
Speaker 7 (13:16):
Right now, our country feels divided, but there's a place
where people are coming together.
Speaker 6 (13:21):
I gotta tell you, I was nervous to talk to
someone so different than me.
Speaker 7 (13:25):
Me too, but I'm glad we are. Love has no
labels and one small step are helping people with different
political views, beliefs, and life experiences come together through conversation
and it feels good.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Wow, your story is so interesting.
Speaker 7 (13:39):
Yeah, when people actually sit down, talk and listen to
one another, they can break down boundaries and connect us
human beings. At Love Hasno Labels dot com slash one
Small Step, you can listen to amazing, life changing conversations
and find simple tools to start a conversation of your own.
Speaker 5 (13:56):
I know one thing, this conversation gives me hope.
Speaker 4 (13:59):
It gives me a lot of hope to take a
step toward bringing our country and your community together by
having the courage to start a conversation at Lovehsno Labels
dot com slash one Small Step.
Speaker 7 (14:10):
A message from story Core, Love Has No Labels and
the ad Council.
Speaker 1 (14:17):
I'm so delighted to have Andelo Gianpolo join us as
she does once a month every month with speak Out.
She is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, LGBTQ plus activist dedicated
to serving the LGBTQ plus community, and she is here
to talk about the issues that impact that community but
also impact us all. Thank you once again for joining
(14:38):
us here today and every day. There's something new that
is impacting this wonderful community. And you just told me
something off Mike that completely shocked me. And that was
the banning of the Pride flag. Tell us more in
what state is that happening and what is the implication
of that.
Speaker 8 (14:56):
So currently we have Utah and Idaho that have passed
laws banning Pride flags from being flown five hundred dollars
fine for anyone seen flying.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
A Pride flag, and it's spreading.
Speaker 8 (15:09):
Once one state enacts legislation that another states just copy
the law. So Florida's in the midst of doing it,
and then we're going to probably see that spread, especially
as we enter Pride Month Idaho and so far as
to say any and all flags except the American flag,
whereas Utah is very specific Pride flag only is banned.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Is there any challenge to this legislation not as of yet.
Speaker 8 (15:34):
This just happened in the last couple of days, So
I'm sure there will be and there'll be obviously folks
that will be flying flags during Pride Month. Enforceability is
in question. What's this going to look like? It just
goes to show, Like you said, you know where we
are in this particular political climate right now.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
The last time you were here, we talked about how
the Trunk administration is erasing anything related to DEI on
all all of their websites. They're definitely specifically banning transgender
individuals from being represented on any of the government websites.
And we also talked about what what that means. Representation matters.
Speaker 8 (16:13):
Right, with representation comes normalization, affirmation, legitimizing very existence to
render someone invisible, right, not in society, but legally. They
even sent directives down to the EEOC to drop any
(16:35):
and all discrimination claims having to do with transgender folks.
So a violent and concerted effort to render an entire
group of people invisible. You and I have talked over
the years. You know, it feels like eons ago when
we were talking about representation and TV and how wonderful
it was for the LGBTQ community. I'm blanking on the
(16:57):
name of the show, but it's super cute and hurt
something these kids. And it was the first character that
was that identified as asexual on television, right, and so
what does that mean for asexuals around the world to
actually see themselves reflected in a character in a show?
And it sounds mundane, it's just a character in a show,
(17:20):
But you know, no one talks about asexuals and their
experience in the world and to see yourself visible in
any way adds to a normalizing effect and helps with
mental health. And studies have shown that anti LGBTQ legislation
of any kind, but especially towards a trensgender community, only
(17:42):
serves to increase suicide rates, drug and alcohol addictions. Representation
goes a long way.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
As a person, a woman, and a person of color
growing up, I know that every time I saw, first
of all, every time I saw like a cool woman,
you know, doing something amazing, it made me feel seen.
It made me feel like, oh, that's someone who I
could aspire to be. There is someone I'm not alone.
Representation can have such a huge impact on people's self
(18:11):
worth and how we feel about ourselves. So I'd like
to also talk about other aspects of what's been happening.
When we talk about what the city is doing. In Philadelphia,
we have Rulandeu, who is the first openly gay elected
official in city council. How do you think we're doing
(18:31):
as a city. We have been a very welcoming city
when it comes to LGBTQ individuals and rights. What are
your thoughts on that?
Speaker 8 (18:39):
And real quick just to go back to the representation
and feeling seen and being seen, and then that having
the impact of inspiring folks to do more. Condoleisea Rice
when she speaks, always talks about when they ask her,
how did you get to where you are? And she said,
growing up like you said, you know, at first, just
seeing women in power was the extent of what I
(19:02):
thought that I could achieve as a woman. But they
were all white women, and it was really Colon Powell
just as a black man. But seeing a black person,
even though it wasn't a woman, then that expanded, right,
So could it be a black woman in that role.
Speaker 5 (19:18):
By putting the two together.
Speaker 8 (19:20):
But she had to first see women excel in legal
and political spheres and then see a black person, and
then she then put the two together and says, I
will be that black woman that will then be I
have chills as I say it. And these are folks
that are not of my political party. But you know,
it's like, again, what impacts one community impacts everybody, right,
(19:44):
And so here in Philadelphia grew in my opinion, has
gone a long way of doing just that right of
being the LGBTQ version of that of being a visible
very visible for decades now visible person in multiple spheres
and politics here in Philadelphia. Jim Kenny, as you know,
(20:06):
city council person in nineteen ninety six, was instrumental in
us having the very first nationwide Life Partnership Registry. And he,
you know, said way back that bullying is just unfair,
regardless of who it's towards, and that he grew up
and mummers he had men wearing dresses, and so you know,
(20:28):
who were they to cast a stone towards the LGBTQ community,
and that the end of the day, bullying anyone is
not right. We have a long, long history of fifty
some odd years in this city of fighting for LGBTQ
rights but also just what is right. And we under
Nutter had the very first LGBTQ liaison to the mayor
(20:50):
and we just had a new replacement. So I believe
Tyrell Brown is the new LGBTQ liaison to the mayor.
Speaker 5 (20:57):
Black man. So you know, that's awesome.
Speaker 8 (20:59):
So we you know, this city puts its money where
its mouth is and walks the walk, doesn't just talk
the talk. With that said, sanctuary cities then come under attack.
As you mentioned, you know, Philadelphia has declared itself a
sanctuary city and on all things LGBTQ issues, trans athletes
being able to play in schools, and immigration, you name it.
(21:21):
Philadelphia standing up as a sanctuary city. But that also
means we're the first to be attacked.
Speaker 1 (21:27):
You know.
Speaker 8 (21:27):
The cities that are standing up are the ones that
are getting defunded in every way, shape or form.
Speaker 5 (21:32):
But I'm very proud of this city.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
Yeah, yeah, I have to say shout out to Jim Kenny.
He was very much an advocate and an ally for
the lgbtqia plus community. Well, so let's get down to
what can we do. So over the last weekend I
was covering the Hands Off rally and there is a
lot of representation there, not only for lgbtqia plus individuals
(21:58):
and issues, range of issues. It was very eclectic. What
can we do? What can we do? Now? Give us
a couple of points of action that we can take.
Speaker 8 (22:07):
So specific to protesting, I highly recommend that if you
are going to go to protests and you may get arrested.
You know, some folks protest and do so quietly and
sort of off on the fringe. Others are more active
and more so on the front lines, and so if
you are one of those people, it's not enough to
(22:28):
just have a lawyer's name ready. You can contact a
criminal defense attorney. I have a few folks that I
recommend and pay them in advance, retain them, and then
they give you a special letter that you keep on
your person if you are arrested. You're not just handing
over a business card and say this is who I
want to call. No, you have retained an attorney. This
(22:52):
letter states so, and you're treated completely differently. So I've
had a lot of folks reach out and think that
I can do something like that.
Speaker 5 (23:00):
I am of no use in that realm.
Speaker 8 (23:03):
I don't do criminal defense, but it is something that
goes back to the sixties and has sort of gone
by the wayside. But as you know, the police force
is ramped up the way that it is, especially entering
April twentieth, which is sort of this ninety day deadline
post January twentieth, and potential martial law and all of
these things that I highly highly recommend if you do
(23:24):
believe you'll be arrested, to have already talked to a
criminal defense attorney in advance. Secondly, from an immigration standpoint
now that especially here in Philadelphia Sanctuary City, ice raids
are They're happening everywhere, and they're mass they're not in
ice gear. They're breaking sort of every single due process
(23:47):
law that we have having a durable power of attorney.
So the durable power of attorney won't be able to
get you out of detainment. If you are detained, you've
lost all due process. But to have someone on the
outset side that can then continue to act for you
as you legally and financially. If you were to just disappear,
it won't help you personally, but who's going to pay
(24:11):
your mortgage, who's going to pay your rent? Who has
the ability to communicate for you legally and financially. So
many people don't have that in place, and you never
know when a rate. That's the whole point of them, right,
And so one of the most important estate planning documents
that I'm recommending. I'm speaking at an immigration panel for
(24:31):
undocumented workers in the industry. So a lot of restaurants,
our owners are coming together and holding this event and
what can their workers do? And that's one of the
most important estate planning documents. So we're going to have
a clinic where we're going to give them, you know,
do them and give them out. Complementary but very easy
to pull off offline. The statutory document is right there online.
(24:52):
You don't have to pay an attorney to do it,
but definitely empower someone to be able to live for
you financially.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
That's really great advice if people want to know more
about what you do. You do a lot of estate planning,
and a lot of folks are really getting that stuff
done in the face of all the challenges that people
are facing these days. How do people get in touch
with you?
Speaker 8 (25:12):
Just go to my website Jampolo law dot com or
Lawyer dot LGBT. I also blog at Phillygaylawyer dot com
and you can find me on TikTok and Instagram these
days your gay lawyer, or you can just call the
office two on five six four five twenty four fifteen.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Thank you so much, Angela Giampaolo, who comes to us
once a month every month for a segment we call
speak Out, which is all about the LGBTQI plus community,
but also how all of that stuff that impacts this
community really also impacts all of us.
Speaker 5 (25:43):
Thank you, Thank you, Laren.
Speaker 1 (25:47):
And finally, regardless of your political affiliation. We share six
practical tips for the average American who may be feeling
the impact of economic policies under a Trump administration, especially
those related to taxes, healthcare, inflation, and labor protections. Number one,
reevaluate your tax strategy. Some tax policies may favor high
(26:09):
earners or corporations while reducing certain deductions or credits from
middle income families.
Speaker 2 (26:15):
This is the tip.
Speaker 1 (26:16):
Use free tax prep services or consult a CPA to
make sure you're maximizing any available credits like the Child
Tax Credit or the Earned income tax Credit, and adjust
withholdings appropriately. Number two. Protect your healthcare access. If changes
to the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid funding are proposed,
(26:37):
this could affect coverage options, so here's the tip. Stay
informed during open enrollment periods and explore options via the
ACA marketplace, state programs, or employer benefits. Apply early if
you think you might qualify for subsidies. Number three, Build
a household emergency fund. Economic uncertainty like deregulation, cuts to
(27:00):
safety net programs, or tariff related inflation can make middle
class budgets more fragile. Here's a tip. Aim for three
to six months of essential expenses in a high yield
savings account. Start small, twenty five dollars a month can
still make a difference. Number four. Stay engaged with local
and state politics. Federal shifts may roll back labor protections,
(27:24):
education funding, or environmental safeguards, but local governments can step in.
Here's your tip. Attend school board, city council, or town
hall meetings. Your voice is powerful at the local level.
Number five. Make career resilience a priority. Labor market shifts
like weakened union power or fewer work protections can impact
(27:45):
job security, so your tip invest in upskilling, free online courses, certifications,
join professional networks, and consider side income streams to buffer
job instability. And Finally, number six, advocate and vote. Policy
changes are not set in stone. They reflect who's in
office and who participates. And your final tip, stay informed,
(28:09):
vote in every election, local, state, and national, and support
advocacy groups aligned with your economic and social values. You
can listen to all of today's interviews by going to
our station website and typing in keyword Community. You can
also listen on the iHeartRadio app Keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard. I'm
(28:32):
Lorraine Ballard, morral and I stand for service to our
community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
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