The sixth grader’s mom says her son is undergoing a mental evaluation after he wrote some disturbing words Friday afternoon.

Latorya Hampton says her son wrote “kill me kill me I want to kill myself.” She said she felt, “like a knife was actually stabbed in my heart.”

She says her son told her he didn’t have any friends and he was sick and tired of the kids at school teasing him.

Tuesday morning, Hampton says she took her son to see school staff, and when he told a counselor he wanted to kill himself. She says her son, who has special needs, was handcuffed and taken to the hospital in a police car.

She says that was hard to watch as a mother.

“They stated it was for his safety because they didn’t want him to injure himself or anyone else,” she said, but added, “I felt like my son was a criminal. He did the right thing but it’s like he’s being punished for doing the right thing.”

The school district did not comment on the handcuffs or other specifics of the investigation except to say the district has a bullying policy in place and this student had not reported bullying until today.

Rachel Sottile says it’s not uncommon for kids to keep bullying to themselves. She is the executive director of the YES Institute which works to prevent suicide.

“We’re seeing young kids – sixth, seventh, eighth, grades – the incidence of suicides is increasing, but what I am surprised is he actually said something and there was intervention, immediate intervention, soon enough because many times there isn’t,” said Sottile. “These kids just go home one day and take their own lives.”

Sottile says communication and education is the way to stop bullying.

“It’s not just the teacher’s responsibility, it’s not just the parent’s responsibility and ultimately, the kids are part of the solution too,” she said.

Latorya Hampton says she thinks her son might have carried out his threats.

“Pay attention to your kids,” she said. “Bullying hurts regardless of who’s doing it because someone’s going to end up paying the price in the end.”

You can find more resources on bullying at www.yesinstitute.org or by calling Paul Laroche and Dr. Greenberg at the Tim Hardaway Leadership Foundation (305) 777-0271.

“The message of Thursday’s news conference, held by El Paso’s “No Recall Group,” was to try to provoke a change of heart for those who oppose health benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees. It was clear that Hardaway has had a “change of heart” of his own.

When asked on a Miami radio show in 2007 what he thought of having a gay teammate, Hardaway replied: “Whoa, first of all, I wouldn’t want him on my team.

“After it was pointed out by the host of the show that his comments were “homophobic” and “bigotry,” Hardaway replied, “You know, I hate gay people. I let it be known.

“Hardaway’s anti-gay rant drew criticism across the country, including on late-night talk shows. However, that was four years ago. This is what Tim Hardaway was saying Thursday:”It’s not right to not let the gays and lesbians have equal rights here,” said the 44-year-old, who has been working with gay rights groups in Miami and is now lending an assist to El Paso’s “No Recall Group,” opposing the recall of Cook and City Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega, who voted to re-establish domestic partner benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees.

“If I know El Paso, like they came together when the 1966 team won a championship and Don Haskins started those five guys,” Hardaway said, “I know the city will grow and understand that gays and lesbians need equal rights.

“Hardaway told ABC-7 his “change of heart” came from those closest to him.

“My family and friends came to me and were like, ‘What are you doing?’” Hardaway said. “I talked to them and they made me understand that wasn’t right.

“Hardaway, whose jersey was retired last year by the Miami Heat, has only recently begun to gain acceptance back in NBA circles. He is currently the vice pesident of community relations for the Heat.

City Representative Byrd said if Hardaway can have a “change of heart, anybody can.

“The “No Recall Group” will hold a picnic at 5 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome.

Original article by By ABC-7 Reporter Darren Huntcould be found here

In town for a golf outing, Hardaway attended a press conference urging citizens to oppose recall efforts against Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega. The three are being recalled by a group of religious conservatives who are angry the three voted to restore health benefits for gay and unmarried partners of city employees — despite a ballot initiative in November that had abolished them.

In asking citizens to oppose the recall, Hardaway said he was asking them not to do what he did.

Hardaway, a standout at the University of Texas at El Paso and a five-time NBA all-star, got into hot water in 2007 when he went on the radio and said, “You know, I hate gay people, so let it be known,” according to the ESPN website. “I don’t like gay people and I don’t want to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don’t like it. It shouldn’t be in the United States.”

Faced with a backlash from friends, family and the NBA, Hardaway quickly apologized for what he said.

“I opened my eyes and went to counseling,” he said Thursday.

Tom Brown, leader of the recall drive, was not available for comment on Thursday.
But supporters say they are motivated by frustration that Cook, Byrd and Ortega disregarded the outcome of the November initiative. They also say they harbor no hatred toward gays — but that they think it’s wrong to use tax dollars
Advertisement to support what they believe is an immoral lifestyle.

Hardaway wasn’t having it on Thursday as he stood, clad all in white, in Lower Tom Lea Park.

“I would say grow up and catch up with the times,” he said. “It’s all around the world.”
Hardaway said that what made his earlier statements especially shameful is that, as a black man, he should understand discrimination. And so should El Paso, as it has in the past, he said.

He recalled how in 1966 at the height of the civil rights movement, his former coach, Don Haskins, led a team with five black starters past an all-white University of Kentucky team to win a national championship.

“A lot of people said, ‘What is Don Haskins doing?’ ” Hardaway said. “But El Paso understood.”
Brown’s group, El Pasoans for Traditional Family Values, has until Sept. 16 to gather 6,100 signatures to hold an election to oust Cook, and about 650 each to recall Byrd and Ortega.

Meantime, District Attorney Jaime Esparza last week said he would look into complaints that Brown and some other clerics are breaking Texas election law by gathering recall signatures in their churches, which are nonprofit corporations.

Brown’s Tom Brown Ministries website lists five churches where people can sign petitions including his own, Word of Life Church.

Section 253.094(b) of the Texas penal code says, “A corporation or labor organization may not make a political contribution in connection with a recall election, including the circulation and submission of a petition to call an election.”
Violations of the provision are punishable as a third-degree felony.
The Legislature in its latest regular session removed the prohibition against political expenditures by corporations from the law. But the move was to keep Texas law out of conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year in the Citizen’s United case, the Texas Senate Research Center wrote.
Other groups have complained that Brown’s church has violated rules governing its tax-exempt status by advocating for the recall and engaging in other political activities on church grounds. Washington, D.C.-based Americans United for Separation of Church and State has filed a complaint with the IRS over the activities.
In another recall matter, Jaime O. Perez, former Republican nominee for county judge, last week announced that he was contemplating a recall drive of his own against Cook, Byrd and Ortega. But on Thursday, he said that he would stay neutral so long as the elected officials didn’t try to stop the petition gathering.
“If those guys don’t respect the petition, we’re going to take other action,” Perez said.
Marty Schladen may be reached at mschladen@elpasotimes.com; 546-6127.

Original article could be found here

Who’s your favorite old school NBA MIAMI HEAT Point Guard?

Bimbo Coles

Sherman Douglas

Tim Hardaway

Pearl Washington

Jason Williams

So far we are on the lead but cast your votes now at the Miami Heat’s Facebook Page!

Also get the latest updates on Tim Hardaway’s Facebook Page
and follow us on Twitter

The proceeds went to benefit the Haiti Education Program of His Excellency Michel Joseph Martelly President of the Republic of Haiti.

This brunch was held at Florida International University’s Kovens Conference Center North Campus located at:

3000 N.E. 151st Street
Miami, Florida 33181

Contribution was: $100.00 per guest

The event was a huge success and several dignitaries from the various communities of Dade County were in attendance.

If you were unable to attend and wish to contribute, you may still do so by donating thru the paypal button on our website, or you can mail checks to:

Tim Hardaway Foundation
c/o Haiti Education Program
4000 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Suite 470
Coral Gables, FL 33146

Following a very disappointing year where Cameron was deprived of the opportunity to play on the Gulliver Lacrosse team, Cameron sank into a depressive state. But, once presented with the opportunity to introduce the game of lacrosse to kids from the inner city, he not only jumped on the opportunity but decided to join forces with Dade Lacrosse’s Founder Mr. Chazz Woodson to create a Lacrosse program at a pre-existing camp for under privileged children.

“Cameron’s story illustrates the important role sport can and does play in young people worldwide,” says Tim Hardaway former point guard of the Miami Heat, 5 times NBA All Star and founder of the Tim Hardaway Foundation Leadership Academy. “He has truly embraced the cause of introducing inner city’s youth in Miami to Lacrosse and has become a tireless advocate on their behalf. The world today needs the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to the philanthropic process.”

Not wanting to stop there, Cameron has decided to start a project appropriately called Cameron’s Kids designed to help children deal effectively with their Academic aspirations as well as their health and well-being.

He intends to do a number of fundraising events to fund various Cam’s Kids initiatives around the greater Miami area.

In Cam’s words: “I don’t just want to start a program and lead fundraisers to fund it, I want to inspire a generation of youth like myself to go out and help others for the rest of their lives. I would like to teach my peers that if each one of us plays a small part, we can indeed change the world.”

Cameron says that he hopes to help his friends learn to be philanthropic – to give of their time, talents and treasures.

The Shops at Sunset Place will be hosting the “Living Fit Health and Fitness Expo” featuring Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute, a group of research-driven doctors who approach each patient’s needs with solid science and an artistic eye. BCRI educates patients on proper skin care techniques, vitamin supplementation, and we customize skin care regimens according to each patient’s individual Baumann Skin Type. BCRI is devoted to cutting-edge research and is home to the clinical trials that led to the FDA approval
of groundbreaking skin innovations including Botox and Dysport, the dermal fillers Hylaform, Sculptra, Juvederm and the hyperpigmentation lightening cream Tri-Luma.

We will also showcase vendors such as Bath Fitter, Florida Center for Allergy & Asthma Care, Smart for Life, LA Fitness, Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner, Memorial Plan, South Beach Body Waxing, Page Chiropractor, Physiocore Fitness & Rehab and many more who offer services such as health, beauty, fitness and nutrition.

There will also be presentations by Jennifer Nicole Lee, International Fitness Celebrity & Mega Model and Motivator; nutrition and prevention of childhood obesity by Pediatrician Dr. Michelle A Kirwan, Lion Dance and Kung Fu demonstrations by Perfect Balance and much more. Event attendees can also enter to win various prizes provided by LA Fitness, Perfect Balance, M Cycle Gym, autographed books by Jennifer Nicole Lee and more.

This fun-filled family activity held at Pinecrest Gardens started at exactly 8am with a short program graced by the Boy Scouts of America on Colors and the National Anthem led by Ms Junior Orange Bowl 2011 Leia Schwartz.

Before the race officially started, safety information was given by representatives from the Miami Children’s Hospital, Bike Safe and Sgt. Ivan Silva Miami-Dade Schools Police Department with the presence of Charles Hurley Chief of Police Miami-Dade Schools Police Department.

Kohl’s Dept. Store gave out helmets to the first 300 participants of the event while Big Cheese gave out pizza to all participants after the race. The Regions Bank also gave out a bike on the raffle during the closing program.

After the bike ride Big Cheese gave out pizza to the riders, and nice prizes were raffled to the participants.

Among the Sponsors that made the activity a success were Miami Dade Public Schools, Tim Hardaway Foundation, Tim Hardaway Foundation Leadership Academy with the leadership of the Executive Director Paul Laroche, Regions Bank, Sports Authority, Miami Children’s Hospital in cooperation with Kohl’s, Elite Cycling and Fitness, Smoothie King, The Big Cheese of Miami, Sports Authority, Green Mobility Network, Bike Safe University of Miami School of Medicine / Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and the Sign8 Studio.

This successful pursuit was headed by no less than the Honorable Mayor Cindy Lerner in cooperation with Miami Dade Public Schools through the Office of Dr Larry Feldman, School Board District 9, and Tim Hardaway Foundation Leadership Academy.

Bikers from age 5 and up geared up and speeded for the 2, 3 and 4-mile races. Indeed a festive experience worth repeating.

The Annual Bike Day is a symbol of Pinecrest Gardens community’s commitment to supporting its advocacy towards a more healthy and active lifestyle for the entire family.

The Tim Hardaway Leadership Academy and the Miami Street Band, in cooperation with Sunset Place will be hosting a Fundraiser For Syrus. Please help us help Syrus.

Syrus Dawkins is a beautiful 9 year old child with a diagnosis of Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocoele) at the thoracic level, Hydrocephalus and Bilateral Club Feet. Spina Bifida is a permanently disabling neural tube birth defect which affects approximately 1 out of every 1000 newborns in the United States. When Syrus was born his spinal cord protruded through his back resulting in paralysis of both his legs. Surgery was performed to cover and protect the spinal cord. He also had a shunt placed in his brain to remove excess fluid which builds up due to the obstruction in the spinal cord. When Syrus was 9 months old he underwent surgery on both feet for the clubfoot deformities.

His spinal deformity worsened over time and at the age of 4 years old he had surgery to place a metal rod in his back to prevent further deformity. Unfortunately in December of 2009 the metal rod broke causing him pain and prevented him from continuing with standing activities, until surgery was again performed in August 2010 to remove the rod. With physical therapy he was being trained to use a walker and crutches, however, both devices have resulted in causing significant pain in his shoulders. Presently Syrus is dependent on his wheelchair for all mobility. Syrus wears long leg braces to assist with alignment and protect his legs. He has significant contractures of both his hips and knees secondary to his diagnoses.

Despite his physical restrictions Syrus attends Gulf Stream Elementary and is in the 3rd grade. In the afternoon he attends ARC/Project Thrive in Florida City where he receives physical and occupational therapy, takes part in outdoor play with peers and completes homework assignments. Syrus is a very active child who enjoys taking part in sports activities such as basketball and volleyball. Presently the wheelchair he has is heavy and difficult to maneuver, especially over rough terrain and causes strain to his shoulders.
Syrus would benefit greatly from an adaptive, light weight sports wheelchair which would allow greater maneuverability and enable him to continue to enjoy sports activities with his friends.

The Miami Street Band will perform from 1 pm until we raise the money necessary to buy Syrus a sports wheel chair, which he is in desperate need of.